Board adopts AI literacy as a curricular content area; approves consent agenda, donations and routine items

The Madison Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on Oct. 14, 2025 to adopt an AI literacy position statement and to recognize AI literacy as a new curricular content area.

Board member Steven Faz moved the adoption; Tony seconded the motion. After committee chairs and administrators described a multi-month effort—about 50 educators, coordinators and specialists contributed to a position statement, teacher and student guidelines, a district design overlay and task-design guidance—the board discussed the recommendation and voted to adopt. Board members praised the work as thoughtful and practical. "AI is a partner, not a substitute for human thought," Steven said during his committee report summarizing the presentation, and several board members urged broad community communication after adoption.

The board then handled a series of routine action items under the consent and action portion of the agenda. Those motions passed without substantive debate and were approved unanimously unless otherwise noted. Highlights:

- Consent agenda (item 7): approved (motion carried, 7–0). No board member requested removal for separate discussion. - Disposal of used books and equipment (item 11): approved; administrators explained recycling and equipment-transfer procedures for older furniture and electronics, including town-driven tax-sale or transfer processes. - Donations to Neck River Elementary: Educate Inc. donation of $1,423.47 for supplies (item 12) approved; Jeffrey School PTO donations to support Neck River field trips ($9,000, item 13) and subscriptions ($3,850, item 14) approved as part of the school transition process. - Minutes: Board approved regular meeting minutes and Board retreat minutes from September (items 15 and related) without change. - Adjournment: The board adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

Board members and administrators emphasized that the AI literacy adoption is an initial step to build curriculum and that the content area will continue to evolve. Several members noted the district’s approach aims to prepare students for future professional settings while safeguarding academic integrity. The AI literacy materials and the position statement will be distributed to the public and reviewed as curriculum materials move through standard adoption procedures.

Votes at a glance (key action items from the meeting): - Adopt AI literacy position statement and recognize AI literacy as a curricular content area — mover: Steven Faz; second: Tony; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Consent agenda — outcome: approved (7–0). - Disposal of used books/equipment — outcome: approved (7–0). - Donation: Educate Inc. to Neck River Elementary, $1,423.47 — outcome: accepted (unanimous). - Donations: Jeffrey PTO to Neck River Elementary, $9,000 (field trips) and $3,850 (subscriptions) — outcome: accepted (unanimous). - Minutes (Sept. meeting and Sept. 30 retreat) — outcome: approved (unanimous).