Rockford Chamber Public Education Survey 1. Page One of Three Question Title * 1. Are you involved in hiring decisions for your department or organization? Yes No Question Title * 2. What type of educational attainment do you require for your employees (check all that apply): High School Diploma Certification Bachelor’s Degree Advanced Degree Question Title * 3. What percentage of your employees are recruited from outside the Rockford Region (the four counties of Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Stephenson)? 0% 1-25% 25-50% 50-75% 75-100% Question Title * 4. If you hire from outside of the Rockford Region, what opinions do potential employees express of the Rockford Public Schools (RPS)? Positive opinions Negative opinions Don’t express any opinions What were employees’ opinions? Question Title * 5. If you hire from outside the Rockford Region, do your new employees choose to live in the Rockford Public School District? Yes No Don’t know Why or why not? Question Title * 6. What skill sets are most important to you when hiring a new employee? (check up to 3) Math skills Grammar/writing skills Analytical skills Technology skills Interpersonal skills Creative skills Bilingual skills General office skills Reading & comprehension Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. What personal characteristics do you value most in an employee? (check up to 3) Self-starter Positive attitude Innovative Resourceful Caring Dedicated Team-oriented Gets along well with others Other (please specify) Question Title * 8. What is your perception of how well RPS graduates, hired right from high school, are prepared for the workforce? Have not hired anyone directly from Rockford Public Schools Well prepared Prepared Not prepared No opinion Question Title * 9. Do you believe any RPS issues affect your ability to attract/retain qualified employees? Yes No Question Title * 10. If yes, which of these issues affects your ability to attract/retain employees? Zoned elementary schools vs. school choice Student test scores as compared to national average Safety in the schools Curriculum that teaches soft workforce skills (attendance, attitude, appearance, professionalism) Curriculum that teaches hard workforce skills (math, English/writing, technology, etc.) Other (please specify) Next