The following was submitted by Malden Public Schools.

The Malden Public School system is inviting residents to weigh in on how well the district is educating their children, how familiar they are with school leadership, their awareness levels surrounding budgetary issues and recent major decisions and more.

As it launches a Perspectives on the District survey on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Malden is embarking on a new and innovative effort to engage all community members and increase involvement in discussions on how to navigate through the challenging times that lie ahead. Working with independent research and communication firm K12 Insight, the survey is a key component of the district’s strategic plan.

“We’re conducting this survey in support of transparency and collaborative decision-making,” said Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., Superintendent of Malden Public Schools. “It’s vital that we hear directly from our entire community — parents, teachers, staff and community members. Everyone has a role in helping us provide our students with the best possible education.”

The survey will be available through a link on the district website’s homepage at www.malden.mec.edu and on the city website at www.cityofmalden.org. Parents, staff and community members who have provided the district with their email addresses will receive email invitations to participate, but the survey is open to all Malden residents. Anyone who does not have access to a computer may visit their local library to take the survey online. Residents may also call the school district at 781-397-7204 to request a paper copy of the survey. The goal is to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate and share feedback. All answers will be kept strictly confidential.

The survey also focuses on community relations, district operations and communication preferences. Once the survey has closed on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 the district will come back to the community with results, along with an explanation of how it plans to use the data to make critical decisions.

“Tough economic times are forcing all of us to do more with less,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “By reaching out to our partners in the community and successfully working together, we will continue to prepare all Malden students to be independent thinkers and enthusiastic learners.”