Teacher not authorized to give students ‘sex survey’, principal says

The Brookfield Central High School teacher who presented a survey in a health class prompting students to reveal information about their sexual history was not authorized to administer such a survey, the school’s principal Brett Gruetzmacher told parents in a letter.The survey included the statements, “I have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs when having sexual intercourse,” and “I’ve had sexual intercourse with 4 or more people.” Other statements in the survey also describe the type of sex a person has had and whether they used protection.PREVIOUS STORY: Student ‘sex survey’ draws criticism for Elmbrook School BoardAccording to a copy of Gruetzmacher’s letter, which was obtained by the 12 News Investigative Unit, said Elmbrook School District policy requires teachers follow “approved instructional lessons/materials for all human growth and development outcomes” only.”Unfortunately, in this instance, these expectations were not followed,” Gruetzmacher wrote.A student who took the survey and spoke to 12 News with their parent’s permission said the survey was given as part of the sex education portion of a health class in December. The student said the teacher gave students the option to not take the survey. Those who did, according to the student, used the digital platform Poll Everywhere.”The way Poll Everywhere works is that the presenter or the teacher asks the question, the class or the audience responds either via SMS text, Twitter or by visiting a webpage and the results appear live and instantaneously in the form of a gorgeous bar chart or a live updating word cloud,” Poll Everywhere COO Samantha Cauthen said in a video on the company’s website. While the statements were similar to questions included in the Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey on the state Department of Public Instruction website, Gruetzmacher said the survey presented at Brookfield Central was not affiliated. He also said no student-specific information was recorded. The student indicated the survey was administered in more than one health class.Gruetzmacher’s letter did not identify the teacher and did not indicate what, if any, discipline he or the Elmbrook School District administered.”Our number one goal for our students and staff is to feel safe in the school setting, and with this survey, we fell short of that goal. I am sorry and disappointed that this happened and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again,” he wrote.The letter did, however, reveal the survey’s existence was brought to the attention of school officials this week, although the student said it was presented in December.A district official confirmed an investigation was underway but declined to comment on potential disciplinary action for employees. In an email Chris Thompson also said the district was withholding any additional comment on the case until the investigation was complete.Investigative Reporter Derrick Rose can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @DRoseTV

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