Henry County Public Schools presented the results of its 2025 employee climate survey, offering a look at how instructional staff feel about safety, support, communication, and school culture. The survey, conducted from May 12 to May 16, revealed both positive takeaways and key areas of concern.
Of the 722 instructional employees invited to participate, 709 responded — a 98.2 percent response rate. Teachers and counselors made up 69 percent of respondents, with the remainder consisting of other instructional staff.
Overall, the responses showed staff generally feel safe and supported. Most said they feel a sense of belonging at their school, and 99.3 percent expressed confidence in their school’s ability to handle emergencies.
About 48.4 percent agreed they feel comfortable speaking with their principal, while 30 percent strongly agreed.
“We’ve got some strong takeaways,” said Superintendent Amy Blake-Lewis, highlighting that most staff believe employees work well together to create a safe, supportive environment. Additionally, 83.3 percent said staff actively encourage students to succeed.
In terms of resources, 64 percent strongly agreed they have adequate instructional space, and 86.9 percent said they have the supplies they need to do their job.
Concerns: decision-making, discipline, and cleanliness
Despite positive feedback, the survey also revealed concerns.
One key issue was decision-making. Just 55.1 percent of staff agreed they feel involved in decisions at the school level, while 27.1 percent either disagreed or strongly disagreed.
“That’s something we’re going to have to look at more seriously moving forward,” Blake-Lewis said.
Cleanliness was another area of concern. Combining those who disagreed and strongly disagreed, 28.5 percent of staff said their school is not clean.
Discipline and student behavior also raised red flags. Only 61.4 percent agreed or strongly agreed that discipline rules are applied fairly to all students. Meanwhile, 28.7 percent said students do not follow the rules at all, and just 58.6 percent said rules are applied consistently across all schools in the division.
Support for students with disabilities drew a mixed response: 61.8 percent agreed, and 16.8 percent strongly agreed their school provides appropriate resources, while 18.2 percent disagreed.
“That’s a significant enough gap to require some strategic changes,” said Blake-Lewis.
In response to the feedback, the school division is implementing several initiatives.
The Safe and Civil Schools program is underway.
The Virginia Tiered System of Supports is being expanded in elementary schools.
Additional teams will be deployed to assist schools needing more behavioral support.
A new software tool, Educator’s Handbook, will be introduced to track discipline referrals and identify behavioral trends.
New special education lead positions will be created across the division to standardize programming.
Deans of students will be added at Bassett and Magna Vista high schools to help manage behavior and give principals more time in classrooms.
Air conditioning installation was approved for 21 special education buses.
Backup cameras will be installed on 130 school buses to improve student safety.
A partnership with Emerald Education was secured to enhance math instruction through professional development and new resources.
The gifted education plan was updated to include more teachers and revised student identification categories.
