Families at Kilgour School, Clark Montessori and Withrow University High School can weigh in on school culture and safety through a CPS climate survey starting Sept. 14.

The survey runs through Oct. 4, according to a Cincinnati Public Schools announcement. Students in grades 3 through 12, staff and families at all 66 CPS schools can participate.

The survey covers five areas: school culture, communication, safety and belonging, learning and instruction, and student support. CPS runs the survey twice a year. The spring round ran March 2 through March 22.

CPS said when more members of a school community participate, schools get a clearer picture of what is working and where they can improve.

How to take it

Students will get survey access through their school's online platform. Staff will receive a direct link. The district's announcement did not specify how families access the survey. Parents should check with their child's school for instructions.

During the spring round, CPS said the survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Survey timing and the Nov. 3 levy

The survey window overlaps with a major funding decision. The Cincinnati Board of Education has placed a five-year, 7-mill operating levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. If approved, the levy would generate about $66.3 million per year for the district's more than 34,000 students.

CPS closed a projected $58 million budget gap for the current fiscal year through staffing cuts, five furlough days and a 10 percent reduction in non-personnel spending. Without new revenue, the district projects a cash deficit of $89 million by fiscal year 2030.

The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $245 per year. CPS had not requested new operating funding since November 2016.

Superintendent Shauna Murphy framed the district's direction at a back-to-school staff address on Aug. 18. "So by 2030, every CPS student should feel known, valued and supported," Murphy told staff, according to WCPO.

CPS has not announced when fall survey results will be published. The levy goes before voters Nov. 3.