As shared with the Luxemburg-Casco community this past November, the Luxemburg-Casco School District is undertaking a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to chart the future direction of its schools. Community engagement is a central pillar of the process.

In conjunction with a Community Engagement Session, a Community Survey was conducted between Nov. 10 and Dec. 7, 2025. The survey was administered by the Donovan Group, which serves school districts nationwide through stakeholder engagement, and used the company’s survey engine. The Donovan Group made efforts to ensure that all eligible respondents had the opportunity to take the survey while also protecting against participation by the same individual on multiple occasions.

“We are pleased with the tremendous initial response we have received from the community in our Strategic Planning Process,” says Luxemburg-Casco Superintendent Dr. Jo-Ellen Fairbanks. “Coming together to shape a shared vision for the future of our schools gives us a quality roadmap as we grow and innovate to serve our students and community well. We thank all of those who took the time to participate in the Community Survey.”

A total of 602 respondents comprised the survey results. Much of the feedback on the district’s mission and vision was positive. The community also spoke loud and clear on what it wanted to see in the areas of educational and personal competencies.

Almost three-quarters of survey participants responded to the optional question of, “How would you describe the Luxemburg-Casco School District to someone new to the community?” The responses revolved around four overall themes: community feel, academics and opportunities, strong emphasis on athletics, and dedicated and caring employees.

Many respondents described the district as a close-knit, family-oriented, small-town community in which people rally to support one another and the schools. The district’s academic strength, paired with rigorous expectations and a wide range of options, also were noted. Teachers and staff who form strong relationships and genuinely care about students’ success and wellbeing additionally were mentioned by many.

Respondents were asked, on a scale of 0-10, how likely they would be to recommend the Luxemburg-Casco School District to a friend, colleague or family member. Just under 85 percent (84.7%) gave a score of 7 or higher, with the overall highest scores being 10 (32.9%) and 9 (21.1%).

Similarly, those surveyed also were asked an optional question around what makes the Luxemburg-Casco School District unique. Again, the small-town atmosphere and quality staff were prominently mentioned. Interestingly, a recurring sentiment was that the district offers the curriculum and extracurricular variety of a much larger district in spite of L-C’s rural location. Career preparation also was mentioned as a strength of the district.

Survey participants were very clear in their expectations on what educational and personal competencies are important to

teach students during the entirety of their K-12 education. In order of priority, receiving mention by more than three-quarters of respondents, were critical thinking and problem solving (92.0%); communication skills (91.2%); respect and cooperation (86.4%); organization and time management (79.1%); initiative and self-motivation (78.2%); and self-regulation and responsibility (77.1%).

Responses were more varied on the question of what elements make up a desired academic setting. Among the top choices were clear expectations (77.6%); exploring career pathways (73.1%); real-world connections (67.3%); earning college credits in high school (59.0%); and partnerships with area businesses (56.7%).

The district’s current mission statement – We inspire minds, challenge students, and promote excellence. We are Spartans. – was responded to favorably by nine in 10 respondents (90.5%).

L-C’s present vision statement – Preparing our students to thrive in a global community by ensuring excellence in intellect and virtue. We are Spartans. – received a similar positive response from more than 88 percent of participants.

The survey went on to ask participants about their reactions to the district’s core values of rapport/relationships, teaching/learning, and a positive environment. More than 93 percent (93.4%) of those who responded either “really” or “somewhat” liked the core values.

Survey respondents indicated that the core values that should most guide the L-C School District are academic excellence (78.9%); communication (76.4%), respect (71.1%); safety (70.3%) and character development (70.1%).

The survey additionally asked participants where they believe the district should focus its improvement efforts over the next five years, with up to four responses allowed. Most mentioned was assisting students in finding their purpose/passion beyond high school (38.4%), followed by career and technical education program (31.7%). School safety and security (28.2%), along with mental health services for students (28.1%), also ranked among the top responses.

The next core piece of the process is the Strategic Planning Workgroup, which will be made up of parents/guardians, teachers/staff and community members. Its task is to offer thoughtful oversight and guidance to district leadership and Board of Education members.

The Strategic Planning Workgroup will meet on three upcoming Saturdays – Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and March 7 – from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Heritage Room of L-C High School.

Individuals interested in participation on the Strategic Planning Workgroup can contact Superintendent Fairbanks at jfairbanks@luxcasco.k12.wi.us. While it is preferred that workgroup members attend all three days, it is not necessary.

Of those who took the Community Survey, more than half (53.3%) were between the ages of 35-54, while nearly one-third (32.1%) were age 55 or older. There also was student representation of just under 7 percent.

District parents made up just under one-half (49.2%) of survey respondents, and district staff represented roughly 16 percent of participants. Almost 37 percent (36.9%) of those who took part were an alumnus of Luxemburg-Casco.

Longevity within the district was a core element of survey participants. Approximately 72 percent (71.9%) had lived in the Luxemburg-Casco School District for 11-or-more years, including 54.3 percent who have been residents for 20-plus years.

The district’s Strategic Planning Process is expected to be completed in spring 2026.