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Board hears first reads on generative AI, parental‑rights and device ban; approves revised handbooks removing smartwatch allowances
Summary
The policy committee presented four policies for first read — unauthorized communication devices, the New Hampshire parental bill of rights, use of generative artificial intelligence, and chemical safety; the board approved revised student handbooks to implement the state device ban by removing smartwatch allowances.
The Contoocook Valley School District's policy committee presented four policies for first reading: unauthorized communication devices (JICJ), the New Hampshire parental bill of rights (AB), use of generative artificial intelligence (EHAG), and chemical safety and chemical hygiene (EBCH). The board held discussion and will accept comments by email prior to future votes.
Committee members said the communications committee and staff held a community forum on the upcoming personal communication device ban; the session is available on the district's YouTube channel and attendees were encouraged to send remaining questions to forum@conval.edu. The draft unauthorized communication device policy was presented at the forum and, according to committee members, received a positive reception from families and staff.
On the device question specifically, staff reported that language permitting smartwatches if notifications were turned off had to be removed after review because the law prohibits devices that have the ability to connect and communicate. "We had to revise the handbooks and take that piece out," a staff member said. The board voted to approve the revised SMS, GBS and high school handbooks as presented so that first‑day packets could be distributed with the corrected language.
On generative AI, staff said the proposed policy describes what generative AI is and outlines restricted and permitted uses by district staff and students; board members were invited to submit questions by email. The chemical safety policy includes a minor change required by recent legislation (highlighted in the packet).
Ending: The policies remain at first read status and will return for further consideration; handbook revisions implementing the device restrictions were approved for distribution ahead of the school year.
