Board reviews policy updates including district AI plan and Title IX changes at first reading

Deerfield Public Schools District 109’s board on Aug. 21 heard a first reading of proposed policy updates from the policy committee, including adjustments prompted by recent changes to Title IX and an instruction that the district develop a comprehensive AI plan.

The policy committee’s presentation, led by Dr. Dornfeld, described many of the edits as responses to legal changes tied to the case Tennessee v. Cardona and corresponding Title IX policy updates. Board members asked whether the policy language included a timeline for producing the districtwide AI plan. Committee members said the board’s role is to adopt the policy language requiring the plan; the superintendent and administration would work with the committee during the year to set specific timelines.

District staff told the board they already have a philosophy statement about AI in the instructional handbook and that Google for Education includes an embedded AI tool currently being used with staff as a familiarization step. Staff said they are exploring tech partners and potential pilots at Deerfield High School to inform a comprehensive implementation plan; any rollout to students would be considered later and would be accompanied by specific procedures and training. Staff also said the district’s acceptable-use policy (AUP) covers technology generally but a dedicated AI plan is needed because of the rapidly changing tools.

Because this was a first reading, no vote was taken. Board members asked for timetable details and staff committed to return with a proposed timeline and additional details during the year.