Survey says teacher conditions improving at Ashley

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Working conditions at a New Hanover County high school appear to be improving, based on the results of a faculty survey.

The school district today released the results of the 2015 NHCS Teacher Working Conditions Survey. Many people have been waiting to see how the results stack up for Ashley High School, where faculty and parents have leveled criticism of the leadership of principal Jackson Norvell. Some even questioned why the school board renewed his contract recently before the results of the survey were released.

“When viewing the survey results from the schools, it is imperative that viewers keep in mind that this is just one piece of data about each school. Additionally, what is happening at the state level is also reflected in teacher responses,” Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley said in a statement. “Feedback from this survey will continue to help guide efforts to strengthen teaching and learning conditions in our schools.”

Click here to see the Teacher Working Conditions Survey results

While survey results about Ashley’s leadership still mostly lag behind the district’s other three high schools, the numbers show significant improvement in many areas compared to last year. For example, last year when teachers were asked if there is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in the school, it scored 18.8 percent. This year that number more than doubled to 43.4 percent, but that’s still far behind the other high schools. The next closest is Laney at 77.1 percent. Likewise, Ashley’s score of 20 percent on if teachers feel comfortable raising issues and concerns that are important to them rose to 48.7 percent. The other three high schools all scored above 80 percent.

64.5 percent of teachers said Ashley High School is a good place to work and learn. That’s up from 54.4 percent a year ago but when you compare those numbers to the other schools; Hoggard at 85 percent agreeing, New Hanover at 88.9 percent, and Laney 85.2 percent, it’s clear Ashley has a ways to go.

Teachers have also complained publicly about student conduct not being handled appropriately at Ashley. That came across in the survey too, asked if school administrators consistently enforce rules for student conduct. 35.5 percent agreed with that at Ashley, up from 16.9 percent one year ago.

One high point for Ashley though was new teacher support. 81.6 percent of teachers say that happens which is up from 50 percent last year. That score is higher than every other high school in the area except Hoggard.

The survey also shows Ashley teachers believe school leaders have made progress in addressing concerns about leadership issues, teacher leadership, new teacher support and the use of teacher time at school.

Norvell declined our request for an interview.