Board reviews staff and student handbook updates including AI disclosure, opt-in identity instruction and FERPA clarifications

District staff presented updates to the staff and student handbooks that reflect recent statutory changes and administrative guidance; the materials were presented for information and will inform building-level implementation and parent notifications.

Trevor Lebowski and Superintendent Hill summarized the key changes: required parental notice and opt-out/opt-in rules for certain instruction, clarifications on the release of student information, and new language addressing the use and disclosure of artificial intelligence tools by staff. "Teachers and staff may be required by administration to disclose the use of AI tools," Lebowski said during the presentation.

Other handbook items discussed included an expanded section on allowable flag displays, updates to FERPA-related language clarifying which school officials can receive student information for legitimate educational interests, updated language on videotaping students at public events and the addition of epinephrine nasal spray to the list of allowable medications schools may administer.

Trustees asked clarifying questions: Trustee Walsh raised a legal concern about wording that could be read to require a single "official" municipal flag, and trustees noted the handbook is updated periodically and can be revised as policy or legal guidance evolves. Staff said the handbook will be updated as policies are finalized.

Why it matters: the handbooks codify day-to-day expectations for staff and students and reflect recent legislative changes; changes on AI usage and parental opt-in/opt-out procedures affect instruction and classroom practice.

Ending: both the staff and student handbook updates were presented as information-only; the board did not take a formal vote on the handbook text at this meeting.