The Chatham School District board approved the districtAI plan after administrators described it as an educational guide rather than a punitive policy.

Superintendent Dr. Lehman said the plan was developed two school years ago by administrators and teachers, adopted last year, and is now being reviewed annually by the board. He told the board that state law has informed the plan but the district did not add new policies because existing academic-integrity and student-behavior rules cover misuse. "Our goal with AI is to provide education and proper use guidance, not to restrict," he said.

The plan outlines expectations that teachers will discuss acceptable AI use with students during the first week of school, with varying permissions by assignment: some assignments may prohibit AI entirely; others may permit tools for editing or brainstorming; generative production intended to replace student work is likely prohibited. Dr. Lehman said the district will train teachers to spot misuse and respond under existing policies addressing academic dishonesty and integrity.

Board members moved and seconded approval; the motion passed with all board members voting yes. The superintendent said the plan will be used in fall teacher conversations and that principals and staff will implement classroom-level guidance consistent with the plan and existing policies.