The Bernards Township School District board heard updates on classroom artificial intelligence guidance, in‑school PSAT testing participation and expanded tutoring services during its regular meeting.

A student representative from Ridge High School said the administration has clarified guidelines for AI use in classrooms and listed approved tools — Gemini, Brisk AI and NotebookLM — adding that "AI can be a tool for academic growth rather than a substitute for hard work." The student also noted that Google Chats was recently reinstated after a temporary ban and that the student government plans a full meeting with the board on Dec. 22.

Curriculum staff reported on a Nov. 12 professional development day about AI titled "Ignite the Spark," and said the sessions were well received by supervisors and teachers. The district administered the PSAT on Oct. 22 during the school day to increase access: 258 sophomores (67.7%) and 206 juniors (56.4%) participated, and curriculum staff said scores compared favorably with state and national averages. Officials said the additional testing and new state field testing together have put pressure on schedules and will inform decisions about whether to continue in‑school PSAT administration next year.

The board also received usage numbers for the district's tutor.com subscription: 220 students used the service in October, primarily for math support. Curriculum staff said they will continue to monitor usage. On the state‑required universal literacy screener for K–3, the district sent families a letter describing how to access scores and scheduled a parent information session for Dec. 3.

Board members praised the district's proactive approach to AI professional development, with one member calling the program "ahead of the curve." District staff said additional scheduling work will continue, and no formal policy change about testing schedules was adopted at the meeting.