Pawtucket committee approves state student health survey for grades 6–11, discusses opt‑out and data protections

The Pawtucket School Committee approved administration of the 2026 Rhode Island student health survey for grades 6–11 at the April 28 meeting, following a presentation from the state/URI representative about the survey’s purpose, data protections and participation thresholds.

Andrea, the URI administrator for the survey, told the committee the instrument is typically administered to students in grades 6–11 (12th grade participation is often low late in the year) and is used to collect anonymous data on adolescent health behaviors—including substance use, mental health markers and other risk behaviors—so that districts and prevention coalitions can identify needs and pursue prevention funding. She said the survey is online, anonymous, optional for each student question, and that school administrators receive district and school‑level reports only if participation thresholds are met (60% per grade for school‑level reporting).

Committee members raised questions about specific demographic items (for example, gender identity and sexual orientation questions) and whether some districts’ concerns about federal or funding consequences might require disabling certain items; the URI representative said demographic items can be disabled at the district’s request and that the survey provider uses cell suppression and aggregation rules to avoid identifiability. The representative also confirmed parents can review the survey and that an opt‑out Google form will be provided in English and Spanish.

Several members urged clear communication to families and students about confidentiality and the purpose of the survey; one committee member recommended explicitly reassuring students that answers are anonymous and there will be no retaliation for candid responses. The committee approved administration of the survey with a plan to use discretion about 12th grade participation, and requested that administration distribute the survey content to parents and confirm ESY and other program scheduling so survey administration does not conflict with summer programs.

What happens next: administration and the URI/state team will provide participating schools with opt‑out links and a copy of the survey for parent review, and the committee will receive access to the aggregate data portal once results are available.