Feasibility Study

During the 2022-2023 school year, Elkhart Community Schools partnered with School IQ/SitelogIQ to conduct a comprehensive long-term feasibility and facility study. The purpose of this work was to gather data, input, and insights to support strategic decision-making around school facilities, enrollment, and programming across the district.

The study included a wide range of engagement and research activities:

• Building and facility assessments to evaluate infrastructure and space utilization
• Community and staff surveys to gather perspectives from parents, guardians, students, and employees
• Interviews with school and district staff to provide internal insight
• Focus groups with key stakeholders to explore major themes in depth
• Demographic analysis to understand current and projected community trends
• Formation of a Key Community Committee to guide and reflect the district’s diverse voices

Key Community Committee

The Key Community Committee was composed of teachers, support staff, administrators, business leaders, civic and nonprofit representatives, parents, and senior citizens. The committee was tasked with reviewing study data, representing stakeholder interests, and helping shape recommendations for the school board. This collaborative group served as a bridge between the district and community throughout the process.

Surveys

Surveys were conducted across the Elkhart Schools community to understand current perceptions, concerns, and priorities. Topics included:

• Trust and faith in district leadership
• Public relations and community perception
• School safety, security, and student discipline
• Family engagement and communication with schools
• Enrollment shifts and the loss of students or staff to other districts
• Collaboration between the school board and district leadership

Survey findings helped identify several key themes, which were then explored further through interviews and focus group discussions.

Focus Groups

Community focus groups provided a space for deeper conversations about the themes surfaced in survey responses. Participants included parents, guardians, students, staff, and community members from across the district. Topics covered in the sessions included leadership, communication, school safety, facilities, funding, and the educational experience for all students, including underserved populations.

All sessions were facilitated by School IQ/SitelogIQ and offered opportunities for meaningful dialogue and reflection on the future of Elkhart Community Schools.