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Students press board on AI, bullying, CTE funding, bathroom passes, testing access and start times
Summary
Multiple students from AACT and other district schools urged the board to adopt policies and supports on ethical AI instruction, bullying reporting, CTE funding for national competitions, consistent bathroom‑pass systems, period‑product availability, standardized testing center access, later start times and expanded ESL support.
During closing public comment trustees heard a succession of student speakers raising a range of operational and programmatic concerns.
Kaisa Medina (AACT) urged the district to incorporate "ethical AI" into teacher professional development so students learn to use AI for feedback, studying and career readiness. A multi‑student group pressed the board to revise bullying complaint criteria and reporting pathways, arguing the current standard can minimize incidents that do not meet all statutory criteria but still cause harm.
CTE students described financial and logistical barriers to national competitions and asked the district to review CTE and CTSO budgets so participation is equitable. Other students proposed a districtwide bathroom‑pass system using QR/check‑in codes to balance student well‑being and classroom management; a separate speaker asked the district to ensure period products are stocked and restocked in school bathrooms.
Several students raised testing‑center access and school start times: speakers said local standardized testing centers (SAT/ACT) are scarce and urged the district to press testing providers or provide in‑district opportunities; AACT students said an early 7:26 a.m. start time hinders adolescent sleep and recommended the board review start times for health and attendance benefits. Other comments requested expanded ESL supports and more on‑campus mental‑health and drug‑prevention resources.
President Smith thanked students for their testimony and urged district staff to follow up on many of the practical suggestions raised during the public‑comment period.
