Board hears renewals for safe-passage, football equipment and Chicago Connected; ITS updates AUP and AI guidance sent to public comment

At the Aug. 13 agenda review meeting, district staff presented multiple items on facilities, safety and technology: contract renewals for safe passage and sports‑equipment services, a one‑year extension of Chicago Connected Internet service for eligible families, and proposed revisions to staff and student acceptable‑use policies with new guidance on artificial intelligence.

Safe passage and athletics equipment Acting Chief of Safety and Security Ronan Chblewski requested authorization for the third and final renewal of safe‑passage contracts that would staff routes at 191 schools and fund continued services at a not-to-exceed amount presented to the board. Chblewski described safe‑passage workers as community mentors who “build relationships, de‑escalate potential conflicts, and provide an extra set of…