Board reviews multiple policy proposals: strategic-waiver addition, curriculum-research policy, AI exhibit and organ‑donor leave update

The Harris County Board of Education reviewed a package of policy proposals and related exhibits the district will consider at future meetings.

Strategic waiver — fair‑dismissal: The superintendent presented an amendment to the district’s strategic waiver to add authority to waive certain fair‑dismissal procedures. Staff emphasized that adding the waiver would not eliminate due process or documentation requirements but would allow procedural flexibility in specific cases. The superintendent said the district must submit a board resolution to the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) to add the waiver, and he has discussed the draft with board counsel. Board members asked staff to ensure the change preserves employee due process and to confirm required DOE steps.

Curriculum research policy: The board reviewed a proposed policy (ICC) to regulate requests by university researchers, district staff and external parties to conduct research in district schools. Doctor Patterson drafted the proposal, the superintendent said, to standardize requests, require institutional review board (IRB) approval from researchers’ home institutions and protect student and staff confidentiality. The policy would prioritize teacher-led projects and require district vetting to avoid disruptions.

Artificial intelligence exhibit: The district proposed an exhibit to its Internet acceptable-use policy (IFBG) that defines acceptable and unacceptable uses of artificial intelligence for students, staff and parents. Staff reported they had solicited feedback from principals, parents and students, and recommended the exhibit be tabled for the public-comment window; the board agreed to hold the policy for one month and vote later.

Employee leave (organ donation): The board reviewed a state-required update to the employee leave policy to provide leave for organ and bone-marrow donation. The superintendent said the policy change is required by the state; board members asked whether the state provides funding or whether the leave will be covered with local funds. Staff said funding questions would be answered after follow-up research.

Ending: Board members asked staff to return with clarifications on due-process protections for the strategic waiver addition, details about funding for the organ‑donor leave, and timing for the AI exhibit’s public-comment period before voting.