Board approves district administration of Panorama survey; parental opt-out required under RSA Chapter 189-B

Henniker School District administrators presented the spring 2026 Panorama survey at the reorganization meeting and the board voted to approve its administration for families, students in grades 3–12, and staff.

Administrators described Panorama as a Boston-based vendor that provides standardized, normed survey instruments used by hundreds of districts. They said the survey will ask families about engagement, support, climate and safety; students about belonging and engagement; and staff about efficacy, feedback and professional learning.

“Panorama puts together the materials and the questions and groups them for us,” an administrator said while describing the vendor relationship and local administration practices. The presentation explained Panorama has been used in the district for several years and that spring 2026 will be the district’s fourth year using the tool.

Board members noted that recent state action affects how the district implements the survey. The presentation referenced "RSA Chapter 189-B" and the related parental bill of rights; administrators told the board that the law requires the district to provide an opt-out option for parents. The board agreed parent communication would precede the student administration, giving families an opportunity to review questions and opt out if they choose.

A board member moved to approve administering the survey and the motion passed by voice vote; the transcript does not record a numeric tally or identify the mover by name. Administrators said staff training and school-based data reviews will follow the survey period.

During the meeting, a board member warned of pending legislation that would further restrict surveys and said such bills could impede districts’ ability to measure outcomes tied to federal grants and program evaluation. The board discussed the importance of longitudinal data for program improvement and grant compliance.