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Board approves first reading to let parents opt out of CDC surveys; students and public‑health officials back change
Summary
On first reading, the board approved revisions to policy 4720 to allow parents to opt out of the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey and related tobacco surveys; students and public‑health officials urged the change, saying active consent depresses participation and biases data.
The Wake County Board of Education approved on first reading a revised student‑survey policy (Policy 4720) that explicitly allows parents to opt their children out of named CDC and tobacco surveys, following months of advocacy from students and public‑health groups.
Doctor Crane, staff lead on the policy, told the board the revision aligns district practice with recent state legislative changes and recommended adding the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, the National Youth Tobacco Survey and the North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey by name so parents are clearly informed about opt‑out options. The board approved the policy on first reading after committee review.
Students earlier used the public‑comment period to press the board for better data on student health, vaping and mental health. Several student speakers said the district's active (opt‑in) parental‑consent model has produced low and unrepresentative response rates, preventing Wake County from producing locally weighted YRBS/YTS results that public‑health officials and grant applicants rely on.
Public‑health witnesses urged the board to move to a parent‑informed passive‑consent (opt‑out) approach so the district can gather representative data. Mikaela Bilodeau, Wake County Tobacco Prevention and Control Coordinator, told the board an opt‑out policy would increase participation and help target prevention efforts funded by the national tobacco settlements. Kathleen Callahan of Wake County Public Health said active consent disproportionately excludes families who face language, time or access barriers, skewing results and hampering program planning.
Board members debated the change during policy committee and at the meeting. Several members emphasized that the policy includes notice and opt‑out mechanics and that the surveys remain anonymous and voluntary for students. The board approved the first reading; the final adoption vote is scheduled for a later meeting.
Board members and staff said they will continue outreach to ensure parents receive clear notice and have an easy way to opt out; staff also said the district will provide follow‑up reporting to the board about implementation and response rates.
