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Conway schools outline digital-safety rules, AI safeguards and a possible virtual school
Summary
District technology staff described vendor vetting required under Arkansas law, protections for student data, classroom tools (Blocksy, ClassLink, Edgenuity), a teacher-led technology alliance to craft AI guidance, and an evaluation of a potential full-time or hybrid virtual school to be reported on in March.
Adam Stroman, the district’s technology supervisor, told the board the technology team prioritizes digital safety, vendor vetting and compliance with recent Arkansas legislation (named in the presentation as Act 504 and Act 754). He said district policy requires data-privacy agreements for every vendor application that receives student information and that approvals and agreements are posted under the district technology web page.
Jake Stroman, district technology integration specialist, described core tools in regular use: Blocksy (a classroom monitoring and content-control tool), ClassLink (single sign-on), and Edgenuity (an online platform used for credit recovery and virtual pathways). He said these tools are deployed with safeguards to ensure appropriate access levels for students.
Both staff discussed artificial intelligence in instruction and administration. Jake Stroman said staff currently use AI primarily to automate administrative tasks, draft lesson materials and analyze learning data; the district formed a Technology Innovation Alliance — a teacher and specialist group — to evaluate student-facing AI features and develop guidelines to preserve privacy and instructional integrity.
Dr. Bennett also introduced a project evaluating a potential virtual school to recapture students and expand flexible learning options; the administration said a detailed update and timeline will be presented in March.
Board members asked about specific platforms (one asked about Khan Academy); the technology staff said the district posts DPAs and platform-use information on the district website and will follow up with district leaders about any specific vendor.
