The following news release was provided by Cambridge-Isanti Schools:
A recent community survey which assessed the state of Cambridge-Isanti Schools places the district among the top 10 percent in the state for quality education. 
The survey was conducted in June by the reputable market research firm, The Morris Leatherman Company.
“We are honored to receive excellent feedback about our schools from our community,” said School Board Chair Tim Hitchings. “We are encouraged to see such a high level of satisfaction and support for our schools. This support is a big reason for our schools’ and our students’ success.” 
Overall 48 percent of community respondents gave Cambridge-Isanti Schools an excellent quality of education rating, a rating 26 points higher than the state average for school districts. Ninety-one percent of respondents gave the district a favorable rating in the category of quality education overall.
In addition to high ratings for overall academic quality, respondents positively rated the district’s extracurricular activities with 89 percent giving the district favorable ratings. These results reveal a high level of satisfaction among respondents for students’ overall educational experiences. 
Cambridge-Isanti Schools is one of three districts in the last 18 months to have a majority indicate “all” students’ learning needs are being met. The district enjoys a superior rating 13 points higher than the state average on this indicator.
Community respondents also gave Cambridge-Isanti Schools a strong endorsement for the present state of the district compared to three years ago. Respondents identified visible changes as positive with a ratio of seven respondents to one indicating the district’s direction is better now than in recent, previous years. The state’s average ratio for this indicator is typically 3:1 showing a favorable majority are pleased with Cambridge-Isanti Schools’ progress. 
According to respondents, academic quality, teachers, programs and curriculum, and buildings matter the most when it comes to preserving the future of Cambridge-Isanti Schools.
A majority of respondents also revealed safe and secure schools, academic achievement, and teachers who care and are up-to-date in their field are among the top priorities for successful schools. Parents responded teachers who care about the academic success of students is apparent of Cambridge-Isanti Schools, rating teachers’ care for students 15 points higher than the state average. According to Morris Leatherman such level of teacher care is a unique finding compared to other school districts. Parents also gave teacher communication a rating 10 points higher than the state average. Overall 85 percent of respondents are satisfied with the information they receive from the district.
The most important indicators of student success according to respondents are students graduating and receiving education beyond high school and broad curriculum. Among these indicators, 80 percent of respondents gave the district a good or excellent rating.
The district also received high ratings for its arts (80 percent favorable), academics for reading, writing, math and social studies (89 percent favorable), technology access (85 percent favorable), and special education (75 percent favorable). Class sizes were generally favorable with 57 percent.
Survey results demonstrate high trust ratings for the district for doing what is right for children.
Cambridge-Isanti Schools also received a strong fiscal credibility rating of approximately 15-20 points higher than the state average with 82 percent overall giving favorable ratings for the district’s honesty about how it spends tax money. Respondents also believe the district spends its funding effectively and efficiently. Seventy-nine percent of respondents gave the district a favorable rating 24 points higher than the state average for spending effectiveness. The overall financial management of the district rates 11 points higher than the state average with 76 percent of respondents giving the district a good or excellent rating.
Further, survey results identify Cambridge-Isanti Schools as a well-functioning district with the school board (85 percent favorable), superintendent/administration (82 percent favorable), principals/administrators (90 percent favorable) and teachers/instructional staff (92 percent favorable) all receiving high performance ratings.
“The survey results are a testimony to the excellence of our schools, our staff, our students, and our community, and I am very proud,” said Superintendent Dr. Ray Queener. “Our job now is to push for growth and improvement in every area so we can be the best for our students every day.”