Central York policy committee updates acceptable-use draft to add AI language, accessibility and two-year review

The Central York School District Policy Committee reviewed a revised draft of Policy 8.15, the district's acceptable-use policy for computers, email, network resources and Internet access, and agreed to prepare and circulate a final draft for a first reading on the upcoming Monday evening meeting.

Committee members concentrated on several substantive updates to the 2011 policy (last revised in 2014). Major changes discussed included adding explicit language to address artificial intelligence in the definitions for prohibited material, clarifying the district's position on students'copyright for works created on district equipment, expanding accessibility requirements for district websites, strengthening security and anti-hacking language, and establishing a regular two-year review of the policy.

Why it matters: The committee said the 2014 revision is out of date given recent advances in AI, web accessibility tools and evolving security threats. The draft aims to align the district's AUP with current state and federal definitions of harmful material, incorporate the district's separate AI policy (Policy 8.15.1) by citation, and set clearer expectations for staff and students who use district-owned devices or network resources.

Definitions and AI: Members discussed adding…