TONTOGANY – Otsego Local Schools are
distributing surveys throughout the community to gather input as they prepare for strategic
planning."We want to involve them in then district and clearly talk about our vision and mission and
really invite everyone to participate" about what is working and not working, said Superintendent Adam
Koch in a recent interview.The surveys are being distributed through a variety of means – via Koch’s weekly
email updates, through the Otsego Knights website and in hard-copy form at each of the district’s village
halls, as well as local churches, libraries, school offices and post offices.The surveys come in two types:
a parent survey, which consists of more than 50 questions, and a community survey, with more than 20
questions."And from the survey data, we’re going to then put together a strategic plan and to involve
all stakeholders."Koch hopes that the surveys will point out the strengths and weaknesses in the
district, as well as provide feedback on proposed programs like all-day kindergarten, additional technology
use in the schools and other measures."One thing that we can get out of the survey is determining what
the community will support. The changes we do make, we want it to be an all-stakeholder involved
decision.""We want to accomplish things together," Koch continued, "and to involve and
engage those community members and determine what we want to support in the future, and go from
there."Electronic surveys will close on Jan. 10, and all paper copies must arrive on or before that
date to: Community Survey c/o Otsego Local Schools, PO Box 290, Tontogany, OH 43565.Those who cannot find a
copy of the survey and cannot go online are asked to call Koch at 419-823-4381.