Board rejects supplemental curriculum package but approves several library books and prevention curriculum

Trustees considered a package of supplemental curriculum materials, including digital programs and library titles, during the curriculum portion of the Lakeland School District meeting.

An initial motion to approve the supplemental curriculum package—presented as items previously used by the high schools and including online resources for student support—failed after trustees raised concerns about student data collection and privacy practices and the maturity of an AI component in one product. Board members specifically cited data‑retention language and uncertainty about who would have access to student data.

After the first motion failed, a separate motion to approve library book additions and an in‑depth Panhandle Health District non‑tobacco curriculum passed. The board recorded the vote on the library/books motion as "3 in favor, none opposed; motion carries." Administrators said the donated items had no cost to the district and that they still intended to bring a hard‑copy of one author’s children’s book (a law‑enforcement community‑engagement title) to a future meeting because a digital version was not available.

During discussion, the assistant superintendent defended staff and teachers who use supplemental materials and said parent permission is sought when required. Commenters at the meeting urged trustees to review online programs carefully: one trustee said some AI modules appeared "rudimentary and outdated" and flagged multiple concerns about privacy and commercial data use.

Trustees approved the library books and the Panhandle Health non‑tobacco curriculum but did not adopt the broader supplemental digital package at this meeting.