The March 2024 Board of Education meeting for the Wyoming City School District took place on March 27, 2024, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational practices and the importance of equity in access to technology.

The meeting commenced with discussions surrounding the district's partnership with Ford Edge, which includes an instructional coach dedicated to supporting teachers. The coach's role will be pivotal in preparing for the upcoming Comprehensive Assessment of Curriculum (CAC) study and in developing a team to explore AI as a strategic goal for the next academic year.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the implications of AI in education. Board members raised concerns about ensuring equitable access to AI tools for all students, particularly as these technologies become more prevalent and potentially monetized. One member highlighted the historical context of internet access disparities and questioned how to prevent similar inequities with AI tools, such as ChatGPT, which may require subscriptions.

The discussion included insights into the evolving landscape of AI, with predictions that various companies will create specialized AI applications. The board acknowledged the necessity of providing students with access to high-quality AI models while implementing safeguards to ensure that all students benefit from these resources, regardless of their economic background.

Examples were shared from recent classroom experiences where AI tools were utilized effectively. One instance involved a student researching Napoleon, where the use of ChatGPT facilitated the development of guiding questions and enhanced the student's engagement with the topic. However, concerns were also raised about the potential misuse of AI in creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), emphasizing the need for personalization in such documents.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued exploration of AI's role in education, underscoring the importance of balancing technological advancements with equitable access and individualized support for students. The board plans to review policies related to these discussions in future meetings, aiming to establish a framework that supports both innovation and equity in the district's educational practices.