Gateway School District board pushes for stronger AI data safeguards, plans advisory council
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Summary
At a Jan. 13 study session, board members urged elevating some administrative AI rules to policy level, stressed FERPA and data-security contract provisions, and proposed a Technology Advisory Council and expert consultations to help draft robust, reviewable guidance.
Gateway School District board members signaled concern about student privacy and vendor oversight as they reviewed draft policies on artificial intelligence during a Jan. 13 study session.
A board member who led the discussion said the district should elevate some administrative regulations about AI to the policy level so the district can better respond to rapid changes in AI tools and downstream uses. He urged that "contracts with AI vendors must include provisions ensuring data bridal, security, and compliance with everything," and emphasized that any AI use must comply with FERPA and other applicable privacy laws.
Dr. Rossi and other board members discussed bringing in outside expertise. The board member suggested inviting AI specialists from Carnegie Mellon University or the University of Pittsburgh, and consulting PSBA (the Pennsylvania School Boards Association), to help shape guidance and create an ongoing review cycle. "With AI, a policy is not to sit there for 3 years," a board member said, adding that policies will need frequent revision as technology and state law evolve.
The discussion included examples of classroom AI applications and potential risks. One example noted an eye-tracking system that monitors whether students are focused; speakers said such tools might help personalize learning but warned that collected data could be misused if downstream controls and contract language are not explicit.
The board asked staff to put the draft AI policy and associated administrative regulations on the upcoming action-meeting agenda for display and further review. Members discussed forming a Technology Advisory Council to solicit internal and external feedback before finalizing policy language.
Next steps: the draft AI policy will be placed on display for public review and discussed further at the next policy committee meeting; staff were asked to pursue expert input and to ensure contract language addresses FERPA and data-security obligations.