SAANYS Fall Survey General Beginning of the School Year Questions Question Title * 1. Please rank how significant you anticipate the following challenges will be for you during the 2025-26 school year. Question Title * 2. Has your district made program cuts to your school/department? Yes No Question Title * 3. If yes, for what reason? Federal funding Decreased state aid Staffing N/A ABSENTEEISM Question Title * 4. In your opinion what is the primary reason for student absenteeism in your school? Health-related issues (illness, chronic conditions, mental health challenges) Family responsibilities or circumstances (caring for siblings, housing instability, family crises) Transportation difficulties (lack of reliable transportation, long travel times) School-related factors (bullying, lack of engagement, feeling unsafe at school) Attendance habits or disengagement Other (please specify) ENROLLMENT Question Title * 5. Has your school experienced a drop in enrollment over the past two years?If so, what in your opinion is the primary reason for decreased enrollment? Decreased number of live births in your district Population shifts Migration Aging population Alternative school choices Immigration changes Pandemic effects N/A Other (please specify) CELLPHONE BAN IMPLEMENTATION Question Title * 6. What have been major challenges to implementing your cellphone policy? Storage Parental concerns Daily infractions Student discipline Student opposition/attitude toward the ban Student workarounds Not a problem Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. What adjacent problems have become evident as a result of the cellphone policy ban? Theft Harassment Staff resistance Additional resources Time needed to implement this policy Other (please specify) None of the above Question Title * 8. How are cellphones stored in your school? Pouches Classroom-based storage Centralized storage system Student Lockers Other (please specify) Question Title * 9. How did your districts use the funding allocated for cell phone policy implementation? GRADUATION MEASURES Question Title * 10. How prepared is your school to meet the following NYS Graduation Measures, which include the following: Diploma assessment requirements are proposed to sunset by Fall 2027 Students will still take Regents Exams, but passing them will no longer be required for a diploma Regents Exams will be used for endorsements, including advanced designation Alternate pathways Please select the option that best describes your school's readiness level: Fully prepared and have a clear implementation plan in place Mostly prepared but need additional resources or guidance Somewhat prepared but significant work remains Not prepared at this time Unsure / Need more information Other (please specify) STAFFING/PIPELINE ISSUES Question Title * 11. Which, if any, types of position vacancies has your district struggled to fill? (Select all that apply) General Education Teachers Special Education Teachers STEM Teachers Teacher aides Transportation staff Department supervisors Assistant Principals Other (please specify) Question Title * 12. How is your district dealing with the unfilled positions? (Select all that apply) Substitutes Using retirees as interim placements Administration covers vacancies Other (please specify) Question Title * 13. Does your district have any initiatives to promote career advancement from within? (Select all that apply) No Tuition reimbursement Contractual bonuses for additional/advanced degrees or certifications Internal mentoring External mentoring programs Free enrollment for children of staff who live outside of the district Other (please specify) LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Question Title * 14. What types of expanded benefits would you most like to see offered to public school administrators? (Select all that apply) Increased salary or bonuses Additional professional development opportunities Improved health and wellness benefits More administrative support staff Enhanced retirement or pension options Flexible work schedules or remote work options Increased funding for school resources and programs Opportunities for leadership coaching or mentoring Other (please specify) Question Title * 15. What is the most important factor that motivates you to remain in your role as a public school administrator? Making a positive impact on students’ lives Supporting and developing staff Strong relationships with the school community Commitment to educational equity and improvement Professional fulfillment and passion for leadership Compensation and benefits Other (please specify) Question Title * 16. What, if any, steps do you believe would be helpful to encourage individuals to pursue careers in school administration? (Select all that apply) Enhanced scholarships/grants for those who pursue careers in public education Changes in certification requirements Changes in public pension system Local/in-district childcare for employees of public schools Mentoring Other (please specify) None of the above Question Title * 17. What topics do you feel are most important for your professional development as a school leader? (Select all that apply) Instructional leadership and curriculum design Personal finances and retirement Public speaking Building strong leadership skills Student mental health and well-being Equity, diversity, and inclusion practices School safety and crisis management Family and community engagement Data-driven decision-making and assessment Teacher recruitment, retention, and development Budgeting and resource allocation Policy changes and compliance Other (please specify) Question Title * 18. What is your primary source for quality professional development? District generated or provided professional development NYSED webinars or conferences BOCES SAANYS National or State Associations Other (please specify) Done
