Sandra LaRose, chief academic officer for Terrebonne Parish, briefed the Technology and Policy Committee on the district’s approach to artificial intelligence in classrooms, saying the district blocked AI platforms initially and then performed a yearlong review of tools for student privacy and nondisclosure protections.

LaRose said the district surveyed teachers to identify tools they were already using and to learn which platforms educators found most helpful. The district established a committee and has trained principals and teachers; LaRose said a presenter from Nichols led training for principals and that an Oct. 6 session included Dr. Desiree Alexander, whom LaRose described as an AI expert.

LaRose listed platforms the district has opened after vetting. She said Magic School and Conamigo are available across grade levels, and that high schools can access Google Gemini, EduAID, Diffit and ChatGPT, all subject to security agreements the district judged sufficient for student and teacher privacy.

Board members raised concerns about inappropriate uses, academic integrity and the need to teach students responsible use. LaRose and other speakers described monitoring tools already in use: GoGuardian to let teachers view student screens and lockdown browsers for secure testing through an agreement with Southeastern. Committee members and administrators compared adapting to AI with past shifts such as calculators and internet research, and emphasized a mix of classroom strategies (in‑class assignments and monitored assessments) to preserve rigor.

LaRose said the district’s goal is to “instruct [students] on how to use it responsibly” and stressed the district’s continued caution in rolling out tools to protect students and staff privacy.