From Feedback to Vision: TCAPS Lays the Groundwork for What’s Next
Uncovering Relevant Focus Areas for Strategic Growth
The Challenge
With strategic planning on the horizon, Traverse City Area Public Schools needed a way to gather meaningful input from their entire school community—students, staff, families, and the public. The district understood that listening first was essential to creating a plan that accurately reflects the needs, values, and hopes of its people.
The Goal
Design a series of surveys that would capture honest, clear feedback from all key audiences. The surveys needed to be well-crafted, easy to complete, and aligned with the goals of TCAPS’s strategic planning efforts. Most importantly, the process needed to invite trust—making participants feel heard, valued, and included in shaping the district’s direction.
The Approach
-
Galapagos developed four surveys—tailored for students, staff, parents, and community members—each with thoughtful, relevant questions designed to gather both data and insights.
-
TCAPS leaders had the opportunity to refine questions based on their goals, ensuring each survey aligned with their planning priorities.
-
All four surveys were launched simultaneously, with branded survey links shared directly with stakeholders for easy access.
-
Once the surveys closed, Galapagos analyzed the results and prepared a visual summary of key takeaways—helping the district make informed decisions as they move into their strategic planning phase.
The Results
The TCAPS surveys provided conclusive feedback in several focus areas that TCAPS can turn into an actionable strategic plan. Examples of survey results are as follows:
Community Input
Enhance community engagement opportunities through TCAPS’ longstanding reputation for excellence in the arts
Student/Parent Input
Provide meaningful academic support – clearer instruction, more relevant assignments, and real-world prep
Boost inclusivity, equity, and mental health efforts to foster a more supportive culture
Strengthen communication and amplify student voice
Bolster college & career readiness, and financial literacy
Staff Input
Establish better support structures—both for managing student needs and for staff professional growth
Reinforce employee engagement, and strengthen communication and trust
Through the use of targeted surveys to gather feedback from TCAPS stakeholders, Galapagos has uncovered relevant focus areas on which the district will begin to construct its Strategic Plan.