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Franklin Regional discusses AI policy, approves AI foundation course for high school
Summary
Board reviewed a new generative AI use policy as a first step and approved an AI foundation elective for the high school to begin next year; board members requested iterative administrative safeguards, COPPA compliance review and deeper contractual privacy review of AI tools.
The Franklin Regional School Board on Nov. 17 reviewed a second‑reading package of policies that included a generative artificial intelligence policy and voted to add an AI foundation elective to the high school program of studies for next year.
Doctor Delp presented the AI policy as an initial, iterative 'foot in the door' intended to establish administrative regulations, privacy safeguards and professional development. Board members raised questions about evaluation, monitoring, privacy and compliance with federal regulations such as COPPA.
A member of the board asked specifically about the scope of administrator evaluation and privacy protections; Doctor Delp said the policy launch would be followed by multi‑phase implementation and collaboration with the Intermediate Unit to develop safeguards.
"We are seeking a motion to approve, the launch of an artificial intelligence foundation course," Doctor Delp said when introducing the curricular item. The course was described as an elective available to freshmen through seniors and a first step toward sequencing additional computer science and AI offerings.
Board members emphasized the need for ongoing working‑group review, tied administrative regulations for procurement and data privacy to the new policy, and noted the policy may need frequent revisits as the technology and regulations evolve. No final, binding procurement or vendor approvals for AI platforms occurred on the record; the discussion focused on policy principles, student protections and curriculum sequencing.
What happens next
If approved administratively, the AI foundation course will be included in the spring program of studies and offered in the next academic year as an elective at the high school. District staff said they will continue to develop administrative regulations addressing procurement, privacy and evaluation of AI tools before broad classroom deployment.
