Appomattox County Public Schools (ACPS) recently conducted a public survey to gather input from staff, parents, and community members on the hiring of its new superintendent. With over 200 respondents, the feedback highlighted key expectations, challenges, and areas for improvement within the district.
The full report can be found here: Survey Results
Survey results indicated a strong preference for hiring an external candidate, suggesting a belief that fresh perspectives might positively impact the district’s direction and alleviate internal frustrations.
Respondents expressed concerns about micromanagement from current administrators, leading to feelings of being undervalued and mistrusted among teachers and staff. This sentiment aligns closely with another frequently mentioned issue—low morale across schools. Staff identified inadequate communication, insufficient support from central office administrators, and overall dissatisfaction with some central office personnel as significant contributors to poor morale.
Transparency and honesty were emphasized as essential qualities for the new superintendent. Respondents stressed the need for clear and open communication, suggesting a desire to rebuild trust and improve handling of sensitive district matters.
Concerns regarding favoritism and personal relationships influencing professional decisions were also mentioned. Respondents called for fairer hiring and advancement practices based strictly on merit rather than personal connections.
Additionally, respondents voiced concerns about political or ideological influences on school policies, particularly related to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and LGBTQ+ topics. These concerns highlight existing community tensions around curriculum content and social issues, with respondents seeking balanced and unbiased approaches.
Behavioral management, particularly addressing student and staff bullying, was noted as needing improvement. Respondents advocated for more effective measures to manage discipline and bullying.
Special Education programs were identified as an area of significant concern, with respondents noting issues such as unfilled vacancies, management challenges, and overall dissatisfaction among staff and parents.
Lastly, teacher salaries and retention emerged as critical issues. Respondents expressed clear frustration regarding compensation and emphasized the importance of retaining experienced educators to ensure educational quality.
Overall, the survey highlights a strong community commitment to Appomattox County schools and underscores the need for leadership that prioritizes transparency, effective management, fairness, and unbiased decision-making.
