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Berlin-Boylston panel adopts student survey policy after teachers urged delay
Summary
The Berlin-Boylston Regional School Committee voted 4–2 on Sept. 10 to adopt Policy ILD on student participation in educational surveys after several teachers and a parent urged postponing action and using MASC model language; an amendment to restore the original MASC wording failed 2–4.
The Berlin-Boylston Regional School Committee voted 4–2 on Sept. 10 to adopt Policy ILD, governing student participation in educational surveys, after an hour of public comment and debate.
Several teachers and a parent urged the committee not to approve the policy immediately. Beth Mancini asked the committee “to consider not voting today and put the policy in place as stated by MASC,” and teacher Steven Pacheco read a statement on behalf of Tahanto teacher Bill Whitehead urging adoption of the MASC model and formation of a collaborative committee. Tahanto teachers Danielle Rinker and Peter Doherty told the committee they wanted more discussion and collaboration before a final vote.
During the committee discussion, Michael Totman said the subcommittee had proposed edits to address timing and parental notification concerns and cited examples from Lexington and Wellesley. Totman said the edits were meant to improve transparency around what students are asked. Julie Lee moved to strike the subcommittee edits and restore the original MASC language; Jessica Deglialberti seconded that amendment. The amendment failed 2–4. A separate motion to table the policy also failed 2–4. The original motion to adopt the policy as proposed carried 4–2.
Committee members debated how long parents would have to review survey material and whether district practice for student-generated surveys — including teacher approval and an opt-out or anonymity notice for sensitive topics — should be expanded. Interim Superintendent Albert Ganem said staff had sought examples from other districts; he and others noted that some responding districts use opt-out processes for externally administered surveys.
The policy language adopted by the committee will be posted with the minutes. Members who opposed the measure said they were concerned the subcommittee edits changed parent-notification timing and wanted additional teacher and parent input before final adoption. Supporters said the proposed text balanced transparency with operational practice and that legal counsel had reviewed the language.
The committee did not take up a proposal to postpone final action; the vote concluded the item. The committee adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
