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District staff present draft AI policy after finding 445 generative‑AI apps in use; call for training and governance
Summary
Montgomery Public Schools staff reported 445 applications containing generative AI in use on district networks (top apps include Canva, OpenAI/ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and QuillBot) and presented a draft AI policy that would set rules for student and staff use and establish a data governance committee and training.
Dr. Powell presented a draft Montgomery County Public Schools AI policy to trustees on Sept. 9 after district analytics identified 445 applications that contain generative AI in use on the district network. He said the top usage included Canva, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and QuillBot and that both students and employees have accessed those tools.
Powell argued the district needs a policy that promotes student safety, establishes rules of engagement for AI, and creates ethical guidelines for deployment and procurement. He also recommended formation of a data governance committee to review AI‑enabled products before broader deployment and stressed the need for professional development so teachers and staff can apply guardrails consistently.
Usage figures presented by Powell included more than 10,000 distinct Canva requests on district accounts, roughly 86,000 ChatGPT requests logged under district identities, and substantial use of Microsoft Copilot and plagiarism/rewriting tools like QuillBot. He said some districts block generative AI entirely while Montgomery’s environment remains broadly open and therefore needs formal policy and training.
Board members discussed academic integrity and how teachers should detect and address student use of generative AI. Powell said the policy approach should emphasize critical thinking and citation expectations rather than only punitive measures. He closed by calling for professional development and a governance process to keep pace with rapidly evolving tools.
Status: draft policy presented; board discussion and requests for training and implementation details followed.
