Albany school survey question raises concerns

Albany Area  Schools the week of Nov. 12-15 investigated an incident regarding a question on a survey link sent Nov. 12 to ninth graders and concluded the inclusion of inappropriate material, although a violation of district policy, was not intentional.  

“The teacher was clearly negligent in their behavior and failed to meet professional and district expectations by not properly vetting the resource prior to the lesson,” a Nov. 15 email to freshmen parents and guardians read. “The teacher in question will be subject to the disciplinary process in accordance with district policies and contractual language to address this serious matter.”  

The survey question, which raised concerns from parents and others, stated “You want your partner to be more adventurous in the bedroom — how do you communicate your desire?”  and it was followed by multiple choice answers.

Superintendent Travis Okerlund Nov. 19 verified the survey link was sent to all freshmen as part of a Period for Academics, Wellness and Support lesson on communication styles. He said within about 20 minutes of learning about the question concern Nov. 12, parents and guardians were notified by email that inappropriate content had been included in the lesson and assured them the school was actively investigating the matter. A second email was sent Nov. 15 after the investigation was completed. 

The Nov. 12 email stated when the concern was reviewed it was agreed the question was inappropriate, and staff looked into how that got missed when this presentation was created and reviewed before being distributed to students. 

The survey was from the online source verywellmind.

“We can assure you we will be using a different resource in the future,” the email read.       

The Nov. 15  follow-up communication apologized for the concern and distress the incident may have caused students, parents and guardians and provided clarity on the actions the school district took to address the situation.”

An email was also sent to Albany Area Schools families to inform them of the incident. 

“We deeply regret any concern or confusion this incident may have caused and appreciate your understanding as we reflect on this experience and take steps to improve our processes,” that email read.