MNTC pleased with district survey

By Meghan McCormick

August 30, 2008 12:23 am

— Moore Norman Technology Center administration and staff were elated when they learned the recent results of a district wide survey.
Moore Norman Technology Center superintendent John Hunter said he was pleased with the outstanding survey results and overwhelming support MNTC receives.
"When you look at the positive versus negative, and the overwhelming positive response, you are always pleased to see it," Hunter said.
According to the survey, 94 percent of respondents reported they had heard of Moore Norman Technology Center; 58 percent said they believed MNTC does an excellent or good job of training students.
Cole Hargrave Snodgrass and Associates Inc. conducted the survey June 22-28. The 36-question survey reached 400 registered voters within the Moore Norman Technology Center boundaries. Margin error was plus or minus 4.9 percent.
Hunter said MNTC tries to conduct the survey annually. Last year's answers were similar to the recent information that was reported to Hunter.
"The results we have gotten have been consistent," he said.
The survey showed 88 percent of people believed local taxes paid to operate the technology center are a good investment, and 85 percent strongly or somewhat agreed local property taxes paid to the school are a good investment.
He said 75 percent of the school's budget comes from property tax revenue. The rest is derived from tuition fees and federal and state funding.
According to the survey, 58 percent of people reported either themselves or a family member had taken a course at MNTC.
Hunter pointed out that nobody is required to take classes at MNTC.
"The nature of what we do, we are an elective for every student," he said.
Hunter said the survey revealed something about the school's perception that he would like to see change. The majority of people who responded believe MNTC's main purpose is to educate high school students for employment.
"We have lots of resources for adults and business clients," he said.
Hunter said the technology center needs to communicate in a better way that MNTC is not just for high school students.
MNTC marketing director David Joplin said the survey is a twofold process.
"First of all, it helps us as a district check the pulse in the community to see how we're doing and meeting their needs," he said. "We know that not everyone in the district has taken a class at Moore Norman, but they see the value in what we do."
Joplin said the second purpose was to gauge awareness surrounding the school's economy campaign, launched two years ago.
According to the survey, 87 percent of people's opinions greatly or somewhat improved when they were told MNTC works with hundreds of companies to improve their productivity.
"The messages that are part of the campaign do have a positive influence on Moore Norman Technology Center," he said.
MNTC offers job placement and career advisement for its students, Joplin said.
"More than 80 percent of adults who graduate work in a service they studied at Moore Norman Technology Center," he said.
Hunter said there are no plans to stop the survey.
"We want to make sure we have the level of community support," he said. "That is important."
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com