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Saugerties board reviews phones, AI and DEI policy work; no new policy adopted
Summary
Trustees discussed state trends on student phone rules, continued work on an artificial-intelligence policy and a first reading on a diversity, equity and inclusion policy; the board did not adopt any new policies at the Aug. 13 meeting.
The Saugerties Central School District Board of Education on Aug. 13 reviewed emerging policy issues, including student cellphone rules, an artificial-intelligence guidance project and a first reading of a diversity, equity and inclusion policy, but did not adopt new policy at the meeting.
An unidentified board member reported that "several states ... have already passed state laws about banning phones," while others have chosen to supply secure bags or require districts to adopt local policies. The trustee said the district is "tracking that and thinking about that ourselves" and will collect resources on phone rules and AI in a shared folder for board consideration. "We do not have a policy. We are not bringing a policy forward right now," the trustee said.
Board members said they are treating AI as a priority for future policy work that should clarify how teachers may use AI for preparation and instruction without replacing core teaching; the policy committee will continue gathering examples from other districts and state guidance. The board chair and policy committee members noted two key agenda items to follow: a first reading of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy and ongoing work toward an AI policy, with the next policy committee meeting scheduled for Sept. 3.
Trustees were urged to review materials and participate in upcoming committee discussions. No vote was taken to adopt a DEI or AI policy at this meeting; both items remain under committee consideration and will return for subsequent readings.
