The School District U‑46 Board of Education approved updates tied to the Illinois Association of School Boards’ Press Issue 118 addressing access to electronic networks and use of artificial intelligence at its Aug. 18 meeting, though one board member announced a planned no vote citing unsettled legal and ethical issues.
Tricia Olsen, the district’s chief legal officer, presented the policy update and said the governor recently signed a public act that sets a deadline for the Illinois State Board of Education to publish statewide guidance by July 1, 2026. Olsen said the press language recommends developing a district‑level AI plan, training staff and students, and ensuring tools comply with state and federal law.
Board member Miss Martin stated she would vote no, saying she was not comfortable adopting local policy additions while state and federal guidance remains incomplete. "I'd like to also see what they [state and federal authorities] are thinking when it comes to the rollout of AI," she said.
Discussion and flexibility: Olsen and Superintendent Dr. Johnson said the press language builds flexibility into district plans — for example, requiring a districtwide AI plan, annual updates, and the ability to implement local guidelines more rapidly than formal board‑level changes if needed.
Vote: The board adopted the policy update in a roll call vote (majority yes); the motion carried.
Ending: Olsen said the State Board of Education will develop and publish guidance by July 1, 2026, per the public act she cited; the district will proceed with local planning, training and monitoring of AI tools while leaving room for future policy revisions as external guidance emerges.