BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Massena Central School officials say they want to gather information on recent graduates to track their professional progress.

Board Member Patricia Murphy said she hopes the district could use the information gathered to better prepare students for their futures.

In previous action, board members approved a contract with Life Track Services Inc. to track students following their high school graduation.

The intention is for Life Track Services to survey students three times, ranging from six months prior to graduation, to 18 months post high school graduation and finally five years after graduating high school.

The survey questions were compiled by the board of education, high school administration and the guidance department.

Superintendent Ron Burke previously said the contract would be completed through a Board of Cooperative Educational Services purchasing agreement. The cost would be $15 per student, coming in at just under $3,000, he said.

Board members appeared keen to move on the contract after learning that nationally the company saw a return rate of 60% on all surveys issued to students who graduated 15 years prior.

Murphy said she was keen to see the results of the survey but noted that it might not be an appropriate time right now.

“I don’t know when that would be appropriate. Maybe like a few months down the road,” she said.

Officials said they hoped the survey would allow them to see what students might be attending two-year or four-year institutions, technical schools or entering the job market immediately following graduation.

Murphy also suggested that the tracking information could assist with future class reunions, giving organizers an up to date list with contact information.

Board Vice President Kevin Perretta said the information would be very helpful for the district down the road, allowing officials to "get a perspective from seniors."

"If we can keep the engagement, it helps us. What are we doing great? What are we doing wrong?” he said.

But Murphy wondered what time frame would best serve both students and administrators alike, saying people would be more willing to share their information if they knew it would aid others in the future. She said the ultimate goal is to help raise graduation rates.

"If students engage, that might be a way to do that. The goal is not anything other than how did we prepare you for where you’re going after graduation," she said.

Burke said the survey would aid in more than just graduation rates, however, aiding the district with Regents exam scores as well.

"Regents scores are one piece of data. But, what did we really do? Are you really prepared for life? Are you prepared to be successful in college, for a career, or for the military? This is one avenue for it," he said.

Surveys have since been distributed to the class of 2024, the first class that will participate in the new initiative.