All districts — One thing is clear from the results of our 2026 School News Network audience survey: You love to read and listen to the voices of students.
In our anonymous reader survey, which was open to respondents for most of the spring semester, more student-created content and student perspective pieces were among your top suggestions for us to add to our news mix.
Fittingly, this is part of our mission! Since SNN started in 2013, student voice has been a major priority in our coverage. What sets us apart from other media outlets is that we amplify students and their experiences in our public schools, interviewing them in the vast majority of articles we publish.
‘There is so much good happening around Kent County and I love that SNN highlights that.’
— SNN audience survey response
SNN already has a Student Voices section where we showcase student-created articles, videos, podcasts, poetry and art. We have also interviewed students about their high-school experience in our biannual Student Voices panel.
However, you’ve asked for more, and we aim to deliver. We will be pursuing more avenues to showcase student content, and working to build partnerships with local district journalism and broadcasting programs to encourage submissions of student work. Our reporters are also regularly seeking opportunities to include diverse student work and perspectives, making sure the pieces are vetted by a teacher or administrator before publication.
‘Compelling journalism’
Our survey confirmed some other things as well: About 65% of respondents read SNN every week and nearly 50% have been reading for more than three years.
“I like that we get an inside look on districts that are often not covered in other news sources or even by districts’ social media pages,” wrote one reader. “There is so much good happening around Kent County and I love that SNN highlights that.”
You indicated the stories you love the most are our features on students, teachers and staff, such as our Grads with Grit and Rockstar Teachers. Other favorites include stories on classroom teaching and learning and our issue stories on topics impacting education.
Your ideas included more stories on early childhood education and those unsung heroes that keep schools running behind the scenes — so stay tuned for new series in 2026-27!
You also gave us other input about how to make School News Network better. We want you to know we’ve taken that feedback seriously and are planning more improvements. We are considering tweaking and expanding our social media presence and increasing our visibility in the community both digitally and through old-fashioned footwork. Expect to see us at district events handing out swag and snapping photos!
After more than a dozen years covering your schools and your stories, what we heard overall is that we have proven, and continue to prove, our value to you as a trusted source for news, features and issue articles that impact your schools, your staff and your students.
“(School News Network is) compelling journalism about the daily work of public education that is not found in any other medium,” wrote one reader.
You can see highlights of the survey results by clicking here.
Read more from our districts:
• Annual State of the Student event highlights student voice
• Retiring superintendent reflects on ‘an amazing journey built on relationships’
