Nebraska District votes on sharing Minnesota student survey amid parent concerns

The Forest Lake Area Schools Board convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss the upcoming Minnesota Student Survey and the transparency surrounding its administration. The meeting began with a request for clarification on how parents could review the survey, which is set to be administered next week. Dr. Massey, the district's representative, explained that the survey would be available for review at principal offices and that an electronic option had recently been added for parents to access the survey.

A motion was proposed by Member Atkinson to direct the administration to share a link to the full Minnesota Student Survey with parents electronically in their Friday communications. If the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) prohibited this, the motion suggested discontinuing participation in the survey district-wide. The motion sparked a discussion about the importance of transparency and parental awareness regarding the survey's content, which includes sensitive topics such as mental health and substance abuse.

Several board members expressed concerns about the lack of parental knowledge regarding the survey's questions and the opt-out process. Member Tyson noted that only a small number of students had opted out in previous years, indicating that many parents may not be aware of the survey's existence or their ability to opt out. The board acknowledged that while the survey has been a long-standing practice, it is crucial for parents to understand what their children are being asked.

The discussion also highlighted the need for clear communication with families about the survey's purpose and content. Some members suggested postponing the vote to allow for more community input and to ensure that parents could adequately prepare for the discussion. Ultimately, an amendment to the original motion was proposed, aiming to clarify the administration's intent to share the survey electronically unless prohibited by MDE, while also ensuring that parents could still view the survey at their local schools.

The board's deliberations underscored the ongoing tension between maintaining student privacy and ensuring parental involvement in the educational process. As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the importance of transparency and the need for further discussions on how to effectively communicate with families regarding the survey and its implications for student well-being.