Cary CCSD 26 presents AI implementation plan after Phase 1 surveys

Miss Williams, the district lead on the AI implementation effort, updated the Cary CCSD 26 Committee of the Whole on Jan. 20 on Phase 1 of a three-phase plan to introduce artificial intelligence tools in classrooms and operations. Phase 1, described as exploration and awareness, included learning sessions, creation of four guiding principles (safety, educational quality, transparency and data privacy) and stakeholder surveys that yielded more than 1,200 responses.

The district's draft vision emphasizes a human-centered, learner-driven approach and states that "AI is a tool, not a replacement for staff or for critical thinking," Williams said. She said 877 students in grades 3—18, 241 parents and 103 staff completed surveys; common themes included seeing AI as an academic support and concerns about accuracy and student skill erosion.

Williams told board members the district plans to move guardrails into Phase 2 earlier than planned and to begin drafting agreement documents and updates to the acceptable use agreement (AUA) that will incorporate AI-related language. She said staff will use the survey responses to create an FAQ and web communications so families understand pilot expectations and data collection.

Board members asked whether the completed plan will come back for board approval. "If it's a policy, at some point, it would come," a board member said; Williams and staff said purchases or investments related to AI would return for board review as needed, while policy-level items will be brought back when the plan is more complete. Williams said the plan was aligned intentionally with state bills and ISBE guidance to reduce the risk of misalignment with forthcoming state requirements.

On pilot consent and notification, Williams said specifics are not finalized: "It's a case-by-case scenario because we also understand the sensitivity of this topic," she said, adding that transparency and parent communication are likely when pilot features raise higher sensitivity. The district's next milestones include finishing the vision and guardrails, launching a pilot, and drafting training and communications materials, with further updates to the committee planned before the end of the school year.

The board asked staff to return with a more complete plan and recommended policy language when Phase 2 materials are ready.