Keystone Central SD moves generative-AI policy to first reading; staff training and privacy checks emphasized

The Keystone Central SD Policy Committee voted on April 9 to move Policy 8-15.1, governing the use of generative artificial intelligence in the classroom, to first reading after staff described two principal changes designed to protect student data and support teachers.

Megan, who oversees technology and curriculum work, said the district changed the PSBA draft in two key ways: instead of maintaining a static whitelist of approved AI tools, staff would require teachers to consult department leaders, instructional coaches or building principals before using generative AI with students to ensure compliance with student-data privacy laws. “Staff shall consult with department leaders, instructional coaches, building principals, before using generative AI to ensure compliance with student data privacy laws,” Megan said.

The second change requires staff who plan to use generative AI with students to complete mandatory professional learning about effective and safe integration; that training will be reflected in an administrative regulation (AR) rather than the policy itself, Megan said. The AR will document staff completion of an online course covering data-privacy checks and classroom best practices.

Megan and other staff emphasized that the policy targets generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini and does not cover background AI built into software or services used for routine administration. “This policy is specific to generative AI,” Megan said, naming chat-based tools as examples.

Supporters said classroom instruction should prepare students to use contemporary workplace tools while preserving safeguards. Committee members agreed to move the item to first reading. The transcript records the committee’s procedural direction to advance the policy to a first reading; no final adoption occurred at the meeting.