Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Central York SD board discusses AI-use policy; directors favor annual review and implementation safeguards
Summary
The board reviewed Policy 815.1 on artificial intelligence, emphasizing safeguards for student data, teacher training, disclosure of AI use in assignments, and a requirement that humans retain final authority for personnel decisions.
Central York SD's board reviewed a proposed artificial-intelligence use policy that would permit educational and administrative uses of generative AI while requiring safeguards for student privacy, academic integrity and human oversight.
"I believe it is absolutely necessary that we have this kind of policy," Director Walker said, describing the draft Policy 815.1 that came to the board after a task force and committee review. Walker said the alternative would be an unregulated environment with "no rules, no plan, no expectations" for AI tools.
The draft policy requires compliance with applicable federal and state privacy laws and existing board policies on acceptable use and nondiscrimination, creates a framework for classroom instruction on age-appropriate AI use, and sets standards for teachers to disclose and document how AI tools are used in assignments. The draft also includes operational uses — for instance in HR and finance — while reiterating that "final decisions on things like personnel" remain human ones, Walker said.
Board members and administrators emphasized professional development and monitoring. Director Strickler and others urged the board to give the policy a formal cadence for review; Director Strickler asked that the policy be reviewed "at least annually" and that administration be empowered to bring more frequent updates if rapid change in technology requires it. The board discussed striking a balance between a manageable policy review schedule and the fast pace of AI changes.
Administrators said materials from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and regional intermediate unit (IU) were used as sources during policy drafting; the policy was pared down from longer samples to create a more implementable document. Director Walker said the task force work and committee review informed the current text.
No final vote was taken at the planning meeting; the agenda review listed Policy 815.1 for action at the June 16 regular meeting. Board members said they expect the policy to be implemented with professional development and an internal feedback loop during 2025-26 school year so staff and teachers can report on what is working and what needs revision.
The board also discussed disciplinary consequences for misuse, staff training obligations and how the district will handle administrative uses of AI (for example, in personnel or financial tasks). Director Walker noted the district will continue to evaluate and update the policy as the tools and legal guidance evolve.
