School Committee Addresses Survey Controversy, Opt-Out Policies, and Curriculum Clarity

The Burlington School Committee meeting this week once again saw animated discussion surrounding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), following parental concern over its recent administration at the middle and high school level.

Chief among the concerns raised by parents were that some questions contained detailed definitions of sexual acts, and that some students whose parents had opted them out of this non-mandatory survey were required to take it anyway.

Committee Chair Melissa Massardo opened the meeting by setting expectations for order during public participation and by reading a prepared statement from the district's attorney.

"School council has advised us at this time we are limited on how much we can discuss since the school district has hired an independent consultant and investigator to review the 2025 survey administration, which is ongoing, and there are federal complaints that have been filed and are pending," said the statement, which also referenced an email sent to all district parents "acknowledging that errors and mistakes occurred and that we recognize the critical importance of having clear communication with families."

Several parents during public participation strongly criticized both the survey’s content and the district’s handling of it. John Lyons called the situation a “gross lapse in judgment” and urged the committee to consider a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti. Christine Scola likened the survey to workplace sexual harassment, while a seventh-grade student called it “disgusting and purely vile.”

One parent, Keri Malm, highlighted the suggested teacher script for the survey: "The script informed students that the survey was optional, that they could skip questions or stop taking it at any time...I strongly suspect that no such script was ever provided to teachers because I do not believe our dedicated Burlington teachers would have disregarded those instructions." The middle school administration has confirmed that five students completed the survey despite parental opt-out requests, and the committee said these incidents are under review and steps are being taken to improve the process.

Several speakers highlighted the value of the survey while acknowledging the need for better communication. Resident and parent Sheri Markle defended the YRBS as a vital tool for understanding and addressing student health risks, noting its long-standing use both in Burlington and across the country. Rachel Finkel supported strengthening the opt-out process but warned against politicizing the issue to marginalize LGBTQ students. " To say rainbow stickers, pride, pink triangles, affinity and ally groups push an LBGTQ agenda is just wrong," she said. "They share a message of togetherness, care, and safe spaces for everyone."

The Burlington Education Association also weighed in, supporting the need for a review while firmly rejecting accusations that the school system aims to harm students.

Regarding the district's internal response, Superintendent Conti stated that Jeff Sankey—a former military trial judge with experience on a school committee—is conducting an independent evaluation. The findings are expected next week and will include policy recommendations. Dr. Conti reiterated that no further student surveys are being administered until a district policy is established and, if reinstated, the biannual YRBS would not return before 2027.

The committee also discussed the district's health curriculum and sex education opt-out procedures. Member Christine Monaco highlighted confusion about state curriculum frameworks and called for clearer communication with families regarding what is required and what parents can opt their children out of. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Chen clarified that parents can opt students out of specific topics, particularly the “relationships” section of the curriculum. She committed to improving notification practices, including sending opt-out forms more than once.

Committee member Jeremy Brooks raised concerns about content moving from "sex education", which parents can opt their kids out of, to health class, which is mandatory; Dr. Chen assured him and the rest of committee any such changes would come before School Committee prior to being implemented.

The committee concluded by affirming its commitment to transparency, parent communication, and student safety as it navigates next steps.