During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the establishment of a committee focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in education, as well as a significant legal matter regarding insulin litigation.
The meeting revealed that a committee dedicated to AI has been operational for over a year, developing a comprehensive document on the subject. A staff member leading this initiative has been actively presenting findings at state and national conferences. Board members expressed the need for a broader oversight of the committee's work, emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to effectively utilize technology, particularly AI, in their future careers.
A request was made for a formal presentation on AI to the board within the next year, which was acknowledged as part of the agenda. The discussions highlighted the necessity of preparing students for a workforce increasingly reliant on AI, with references to ongoing conversations at local universities regarding the use of AI tools in student projects.
In addition to the AI discussions, the board attorney provided an update on a mass action lawsuit concerning insulin pricing. The lawsuit alleges that insurance benefits for employees have been improperly managed due to inflated costs of insulin, potentially involving collusion among manufacturers and pharmacies. The board was approached to join this lawsuit, which has garnered participation from numerous educational boards across Maryland. The attorney clarified that joining the suit would not incur any upfront legal fees for the board; instead, attorneys would receive a percentage of any recovery made.
The meeting concluded with a recommendation for the superintendent to enter into a retainer agreement with the law firm representing the plaintiffs in the insulin litigation, ensuring that the board's involvement carries minimal risk.