Listen, learn and link.

They’re like the three Rs for the Anacortes School District.

This year, district leaders are trying more than ever to “link” with the community. That means visiting service clubs, spending time with local elected officials and checking in with the public.

And after nine meetings so far (there are seven more to go), district leaders are pleased with the positive feedback and expected many of the weaknesses people noted.

“No one is giving us less than a B. I think that’s favorable,” said Superintendent Chris Borgen.

Meetings are designed to give people an idea where the district is and where it is headed as well as give the public time to give the district feedback.

Participants then get an e-mail with a survey they can fill out anonymously with questions about progress toward district goals (for students to be school ready, transition ready and college/work ready), its strengths and weaknesses and its opportunities and threats.

In January, and again at the end of the school year, district leaders and the board will discuss the feedback.

“We’ll have a chance to lay all that out and see what we’re hearing and what we’re learning,” Borgen said.

He said getting community feedback isn’t new for the schools.

“I think the district has made great efforts in the past to connect with the community,” he said.

The heavier emphasis this year comes with the board’s new governance model. It is designed to focus efforts and resources on the district’s goals and to foster a greater connection — or linkage — with the community.

In the responses to date, most people agree or strongly agree that the district shows progress toward ensuring students are school ready, transition ready and college/work ready. Most also agree or strongly agree that the district shows evidence it is improving the quality of instruction students receive.

When asked in the survey what the district’s strengths are, responses included strong leadership, dedicated staff, small classes and passionate parent involvement.

Some of the weaknesses people saw include lack of funding, teaching to the test, increase in school drug usage and not developing technical programs enough.

Borgen said he and other school leaders are open and excited to speak — and listen — to other groups. Contact him at 293-1210 to schedule a meeting.

Upcoming meetings
• Mount Erie Elementary School site visit 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8
• School finance (budget 101) 2-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
• Island View Elementary School site visit 8-10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
• Fidalgo Elementary School site visit noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12
• Senior Center luncheon noon Thursday, March 19

To see the complete list of scheduled events visit http://board.asd103.org and click on the community/school linkage meetings option.