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Weber board adopts AI framework on first reading; staff to train teachers on "walled garden" tools
Summary
After a public comment citing harms from unregulated chatbots, the board approved a district AI framework (first reading) focused on safe, "walled garden" tools for classrooms, teacher responsibilities, disclosures and phased training rather than a restrictive policy.
A Weber School District work group proposed an artificial intelligence framework Tuesday and the board approved it on a first reading following public testimony raising safety concerns.
Becky McKinney, a district teacher, described recent reports of harmful AI chatbot interactions and urged a clear, districtwide policy. "We have a serious problem," she said, recounting a personal family tragedy and calling for a robust framework developed with parents and teachers.
District staff described a multi-phase approach rather than a prescriptive, frequently updated policy. The framework emphasizes three "walled garden" tools the district will support (district-managed systems that sign data-protection agreements and do not feed student data back to open models). Staff said these tools include the district's School AI instance, Gemini 2.5 where available through licensed channels, and Notebook LM, and that they plan training and professional development for teachers.
The presenter described safeguards already in place on district-provided Chromebooks (site filtering and monitoring) and a tool called "mission control" included with a third-party product that can flag and pause harmful chatbot interactions, notify counselors and contact guardians. "These are tools that ... offer those tools immediately within them," the presenter told the board.
The framework includes guidance for teachers about disclosure to students and families, suggestions for assessing AI use in assignments and a commitment to human-in-the-loop decision-making. Staff said the framework is intended to be a living document and to be accompanied by professional-development modules and in-person coaching for educators.
The board approved the framework on a voice vote at the meeting's close of the item; no recorded roll-call tally was provided in the transcript.
What's next: Staff said they will publicize the framework, begin training modules for teachers and deploy the approved walled-garden tools in pilot classrooms and provide parents with guidance about device safeguards.
