In Alchemer's 2026 survey of 474 US K-12 parents and guardians, trust in school leadership was strong overall, with 90% reporting at least a fair amount. The survey also shows where that trust can soften. Some 31.1% of parents said their school asks for feedback but rarely acts on it. Just over half (52.2%) said they were told clearly how their feedback influenced a decision, and 17.5% said they were never told at all.
That gap may say less about whether input was used and more about whether families heard about it. Often, feedback is read carefully and does shape a decision, and the story simply isn't shared back. When families can't see the connection, it's natural for them to wonder whether anyone was listening.
Sharing back what you heard shows respect for the time people gave, makes it more likely they'll respond next time, and sets honest expectations about what can and can't change. It turns a one-time survey into the start of an ongoing conversation.
A few sentences can be enough: what you asked, the main themes you heard, what has changed or is changing as a result, and anything you weren't able to do and why. It doesn't need to be a report. Families mostly want to know they were heard..
If the survey went out through the school app or by email, the follow-up can travel the same way. Families who took part are more likely to see it, and the connection between the question and the answer stays clear.
Not every suggestion can happen right away. Explaining a constraint, such as timing, budget, or policy, helps families understand the decision even when it isn't the one they hoped for. Honest answers tend to build more trust than silence.
Adding one line to a survey, such as "We'll share what we learned by the end of the month," turns a promise into a plan. It also gives your team a gentle reminder to follow through.
A moved pickup time, a clearer newsletter, or a new date on the calendar all count. Small, visible changes show families that their input makes a difference, and they encourage more people to share next time.
None of this requires a big campaign. A short note, sent consistently after each request for input, can quietly strengthen the trust families already place in their schools. It's one small idea that helps both families and the teams who work so hard to listen to them.
Source: Alchemer, K-12 parent sentimentin 2026 (474 US K-12 parents and guardians, May 2026): https://www.alchemer.com/resources/blog/k-12-parent-sentiment-in-2026/
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