Board adopts KASB 2025 policy updates, defers AI policy after debate on religious opt-out language
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Summary
The Lansing board approved updated KASB policy templates for 2025 with one exception: the district deferred the AI policy (IIBE) for further work after board members raised detailed changes and concerns about religious opt-out wording and exec-session recording language.
The Lansing Board of Education voted to adopt the KASB 2025 policy updates as presented by administration, but set aside the district’s proposed policy on artificial intelligence (IIBE) for later review. Administration described the package as a legally sufficient template used across Kansas districts.
Board member Kirsten (speaker who presented a series of proposed edits) urged the board to consider a set of specific revisions: replace mandatory language in executive-session recording enforcement with permissive language; retain graduation-credit references rather than leaving blanks; reposition teacher-discretion provisions in the AI policy draft; preserve public notice of curriculum availability; and revise several other sections including visitor credentialing and enrollment of nonresident students.
Kirsten raised particular concern about the proposed language for religious exemptions to curricular activities, arguing the draft policy and opt-out form could be interpreted to give the district authority to deny a parent's religious opt-out. She said the phrasing "may approve or deny" risks confusing families and could expose the district to legal challenge. Administration responded that denial would be "rare" and "would require legal review," and acknowledged the policy committee could review proposed edits.
The board debated whether to delay adoption to allow more review. One director suggested adopting the KASB templates as a baseline and referring specific changes to the policy committee for follow-up. Ultimately the board approved the package with the stated exception of IIBE (AI) and agreed to refer suggested edits to the policy committee for consideration, with one recorded 'no' vote on final adoption.
No formal change to the district’s practices was enacted by the vote beyond adopting the template documents; board members said they would pursue committee review and possible amendments before new language is rolled into handbooks or operational procedures.
Next steps noted by board members included circulating Kirsten’s annotated edits to the policy committee and scheduling committee review prior to implementing final wording.