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Union and district agree on principle: AI must not displace classroom work; language needs legal review

Ithaca City School District 26 Ithaca Teachers Association bargaining session · October 10, 2025
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Summary

Both sides agreed on a principle that generative AI should only supplement teaching and not result in displacement of unit-covered work, but district officials urged caution before adopting contract language that mirrors pending state legislation.

The Ithaca Teachers Association proposed language to prevent generative artificial intelligence and automated decision-making tools from displacing unit-covered teaching and student-support work.

The ITA27s draft states that AI and automated tools "shall not result in the discharge, displacement, or loss of position" or the transfer of duties performed by unit members. Presenters noted the second paragraph is taken from a bill currently under consideration in Albany; the language would be law if enacted.

District leaders agreed with the first-paragraph framing that AI should supplement rather than replace human teachers but cautioned that the pending state and federal work on AI policy is "messy" and that contract language should not conflict with future statutes. The superintendent said he had recently met with state and federal advisors about AI and emphasized the need for careful drafting to avoid creating legal liabilities for the district.

Both sides said they support protections but requested additional time and legal review before finalizing contract text. The district will return with proposed language or suggested edits after further review.