According to a recent survey, only half of Natrona County adults think the school district is doing a good or excellent job of preparing students for college, while only 44 percent feel the district readies students for careers.

The survey, conducted by outside firm Zachry Associations, is research for the Natrona County School District's "Pathway to 2025" project focused on improving secondary schools.

Results also showed that 58 percent of respondents think the school environment is in need of a change, and that only 24 percent were satisfied with the education of students who had recently graduated.

"What we were looking for was just our public's perception of the need for change in our secondary schools," said Julia Collier Earl, assistant to the superintendent for special projects.

Adults surveyed identified the drop-out rate as a major problem in the school district. Drug and alcohol use among students, as well as schools of choice, also topped the list.

When asked how the district could fix the drop-out problem, respondent answers ranged from, "I don't know," to, "I think parents need to get more involved," and "Keep [students] off drugs."

Collier Earl said the survey will help the visioning committee develop a findings and directions document to present to the school board in early June. The visioning committee had its first meeting on March 26 and is scheduled to meet again in April.

An executive summary of the survey is available at natronaschools.org.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at jasa.santos@trib.com. Read her education blog at trib.com/blog.