During the recent School Committee meeting held by Franklin Public Schools on October 1, 2025, discussions centered around the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings, particularly focusing on mental health support for students. A committee member shared insights from a conversation with a personal friend who is knowledgeable about AI practices in schools.

The member highlighted that Google offers a free educational version of its Gemini AI service, which could be beneficial for the school district. This service provides an isolated instance of the AI model that is fully searchable by administrators, ensuring that all interactions are recorded. Importantly, Google claims that the data inputs from this service are not used to train further models, which raises potential privacy benefits for students.

The committee member emphasized the importance of oversight in how students utilize AI tools. By implementing this technology, the district could monitor usage to ensure academic integrity and identify students who may be at risk. The AI could be programmed to search for specific keywords related to mental health concerns, allowing for timely outreach and support for those in need.

This discussion reflects a growing trend in educational institutions to leverage technology for enhancing student well-being and academic honesty. The committee's consideration of AI tools indicates a proactive approach to addressing mental health issues among students while maintaining a focus on privacy and ethical use of technology.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to invite guests to the next meeting, suggesting ongoing discussions about the integration of innovative solutions in the school system. The implications of these discussions could significantly shape the district's approach to mental health and technology in education.