School Board reviews Gaggle contract over student data protection concerns

During the recent Board of Education meeting held on May 27, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the contract with Gaggle, a technology provider that utilizes artificial intelligence. The discussions primarily focused on the protection of student and staff data, highlighting the need for clearer contractual language regarding data privacy and security.

A board member expressed apprehension about the absence of an AI usage policy within Gaggle's contract, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information. The member questioned whether the district had negotiated terms concerning Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and sought clarification on the company's protocols for handling data breaches. The lack of explicit language regarding the treatment of data in the event of Gaggle being sold or acquired by another entity was also a point of contention. The board member recommended that the contract include a provision requiring the complete deletion of student and staff data within two to three weeks of such an event, aligning with best practices in data management.

In response, another board member acknowledged the concerns and indicated that if the board approved the current agenda item, there would be an opportunity to revisit and update the contract to incorporate stronger data protection measures. The discussion also touched on existing documentation that mentioned PII collection but lacked detailed information on how Gaggle would manage that data.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to ensuring the safety and privacy of student information in an increasingly digital educational landscape. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in education, the board's proactive approach to scrutinizing contracts with tech providers reflects a growing awareness of the importance of data security. Moving forward, the board plans to address these concerns and work towards enhancing the contractual language to better protect the interests of students and staff.