Board reviews draft generative‑AI policy; district keeps human‑in‑charge emphasis

At its Aug. 20 meeting the Bedford School Board reviewed on first read a draft policy addressing the use of generative artificial intelligence in classrooms and district operations. The draft policy is based on model language from the New Hampshire School Boards Association (NHSBA) but includes Bedford‑specific edits. District staff and board members emphasized that Bedford’s version preserves a clear priority: human intelligence and critical thinking remain the central responsibility in teaching and learning and AI is defined as a tool to support—not replace—students and staff. Key modifications presented to the board include a requirement that students vet and verify information produced by generative AI (to prevent so‑called “hallucinations”), an explicit emphasis on maintaining students’ critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, and a cross‑reference to the district’s existing AI statement and the district's deep‑fake policy. The draft removes detailed consequence steps from the policy text and instructs staff to rely on existing handbook and academic‑honesty procedures for disciplinary action. Board members suggested adding an explicit cross‑reference to the district deep‑fake policy under the prohibited‑uses section; administrators acknowledged that change and said it would be incorporated before a second read. Board members and staff also discussed keeping operational guidance and permitted tools in a separate, easily updated administrative plan so the board policy can remain higher level while the superintendent maintains a flexible implementation plan. The draft will return for a second reading after the cited cross‑reference and minor wording adjustments are added; no vote was taken Wednesday as this was the policy's first read.