Board HR committee advances generative AI use policy; includes training requirement, citation guidance and detection allowance

The Bethlehem Area School District Human Resources Committee reviewed revisions to proposed Board Policy 815.3, governing the use of generative artificial intelligence in education, during its March 10 meeting.

Rebecca Getz Keller, manager of human resources, presented the policy and said the committee was considering revisions submitted after the first reading. She told the committee that additions included clarifications on disciplinary consequences, required training for students and language noting that failure to cite AI‑generated work could carry consequences.

Committee members discussed the policy’s scope. Several members asked whether the policy covers both student work submissions and staff use or consumption of AI‑generated content; committee members and staff said curriculum and procedures would address classroom use and critical thinking around AI while the policy sets expectations and consequences for submitted student work. A committee member observed the policy allows the use of AI‑detection tools to identify potential misuse, and participants noted that practice can appear contradictory but is intended to help identify uncredited AI‑generated material.

Why it matters: the policy sets district expectations for how students and staff may use generative AI tools and requires training and citation practices intended to preserve academic integrity.

Next steps: staff said the policy will return for a third reading at the full board meeting next week (March 17).