Clermont County Education Survey, 2009

Prepared for: 
Economic Development Corporation of Clermont County (ED3C)

The 2009 Clermont County Education Survey was developed as a practical method for soliciting the perspectives of county residents so that their views and concerns can be included in the County's strategic efforts.

Overall, responses suggest that Clermont County’s registered voters are receptive, thoughtful, and, on the whole, well-informed. The Economics Center found the following survey results particularly significant:

  • Voters almost universally recognize the importance and value of education.
    • A majority also see a connection between a good education and future quality of life. Most voters believe that students are “not very likely” or “not likely at all” to get a good job and a comfortable lifestyle without getting a college degree.
    • Many voters do not perceive that the performance of schools in their local district matches up to this standard.
  • In addition to the findings emphasized in the conclusions of IPR’s report, evidence of this gap between importance and performance exists in voters’ views on the relationship
    between schools and career preparation:
    • While nine in ten (90%) believe it is “very important” that their local schools do a good job of preparing students for a successful career, less than one in six (16%) strongly agree that their school district actually accomplishes this, and
    • Only a little more than one in five (22%) strongly agree that they do a good job of preparing students for college.
  • A majority of voters rate parental involvement, teacher quality, and student engagement as the factors having the greatest impact on student achievement.
  • Most voters do not have a strong attachment/connection to their school district.
  • Most voters do not believe that school districts do a very good job of communicating with them.
  • While relatively few respondents say they always vote against levies and bond issues, nearly half have a mixed voting record, and most believe that current school funding levels are adequate.
  • Most voters strongly support the concept of partnerships between schools and businesses to teach students job skills.