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Public commenters urge caution on AI use in schools and call for inquiry into district human‑resources practices
Summary
During public comment at the Aug. 21 Allentown School District meetings, two speakers urged cautious rollout of artificial intelligence in classrooms and requested state investigation into personnel and hiring practices, citing staff morale and retention concerns.
Two public commenters at the Aug. 21 meetings told the board they were concerned about district direction on technology and personnel practices.
AI in classrooms: William Grecki, a 2022 valedictorian who said he teaches at the Da Vinci Science Center, urged the district to adopt formal limits and clear curriculum language governing artificial‑intelligence tools in instruction and counseling. Grecki told the board the evidence about long‑term effects on younger learners is limited and that “if you wish to utilize these tools for the good of our youth, you must tread slowly and thoughtfully.” He urged printed regulation and training for teachers before broad deployment.
Personnel and workplace culture: Amaris (Amari) Santiago, who identified herself as an educator and administrator certified by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, told the board she traveled to speak about alleged problems in the district’s human‑resources and customer‑service practices. Santiago asked the Pennsylvania Department of Education to investigate, saying a “hostile work environment” and mishandled personnel issues had contributed to resignations among special‑education staff and others. She urged leadership change and greater transparency to address retention problems.
Why it matters: Both comments raise implementation and oversight questions the board and administration may need to address as the district rolls out new instructional technologies and continues work to stabilize staffing ahead of the new school year. The superintendent acknowledged the concerns and said administration would follow up through established channels.
Ending: The board heard several other public comments across committee and full board meetings; district staff said administration will address concerns and update the board on outcomes.
