Cary CCSD 26 board members discussed a proposed optional addition to the district policy manual on artificial intelligence during the June 23 meeting and generally agreed the district should develop a coordinated plan and responsible‑use guidelines.

The optional policy language — drafted as an optional section in the PRESS policy pack — would charge the district to develop an AI plan that ensures tools comply with state and federal law, provides staff training, offers student instruction in responsible use, and reviews the plan annually. The policy is optional and administration has not yet implemented specific guidelines.

Board members and administrators noted that AI is already present in district systems in different forms (for example, spell‑check and analytics features in tools) and that some student-facing AI features (such as certain tutoring interfaces) are not enabled on district domains. Mr. Fitzsimmons (technology staff) said tools such as Google’s generative features are not turned on for the district domain and that sites such as ChatGPT are blocked on district devices.

Trustees stressed two priorities: (1) protect student privacy and data (for example, caution about entering student names or IEP content into open third-party systems); and (2) equip teachers with training and tools to identify misuse and to leverage AI appropriately for planning and instruction. Administrators recommended a stakeholder-driven timeline, suggesting full development of guidelines during the coming school year with the first‑trimester stakeholder meetings and a status target around January 1.

The board asked that administration return with a plan and recommended steps, including consultation with the technology director, legal counsel and instructional staff. The policy language may be placed on the consent agenda after administration develops the accompanying implementation plan and training schedule.