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School committee approves several policy second‑readings and refers AI review to policy subcommittee
Summary
The Wachusett Regional School District Committee approved multiple policy second readings and amendments by roll call, amended the meeting calendar to avoid a town meeting, and voted to refer AI policy work to the policy subcommittee for research and recommendations with members debating scope and timing.
At its regular meeting, the Wachusett Regional School District Committee conducted roll‑call votes on the consent agenda and a series of policy second readings and approved a motion to refer AI‑related policy work to the policy subcommittee.
The committee approved the consent agenda, which included approval of the regular meeting minutes of Nov. 17, 2025, and an amendment to the 2025‑26 school committee meeting calendar to move the meeting that conflicted with Holden’s special town meeting from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24. The chair explained the change was made so members and interested residents could attend town meeting.
Several policies were advanced by second reading and roll‑call vote at the meeting. The committee moved to amend or adopt policy 7.16.2 (support operations, sponsorship and advertising), policy 6.2.70 (pupil services/intradistrict transfer), policy 1.4.10 (operations: new member orientation), policy 3.3.11.1 (graduation requirements), and policy 3.3.12 (competency determination). The chair abstained on multiple votes as noted in the roll calls; each motion passed by majority vote.
Member Kirschenbaum moved to refer creation and review of AI‑related policy language to the policy subcommittee, citing guidance published by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the need for district direction on an evolving topic. ‘‘There isn’t a designated space in our policies to have AI language. I still feel strongly that there needs to be some guidance ... to help navigate this uncharted waters,’’ Kirschenbaum said.
Members expressed differing views on scope and timing. Member Poole warned that AI ‘‘can never be a single policy’’ because it touches multiple domains (academic integrity, student privacy, image manipulation, and data collection). Member Brennan and others said expert input and a careful, phased approach would be advisable. Member Woodland and others expressed concern about administrative bandwidth during budget season but agreed research should begin.
The motion to refer the AI issue to the policy subcommittee passed with the chair abstaining; the subcommittee was tasked to research relevant MASC guidance and district policies and to report back with recommendations. Members suggested that the subcommittee consider whether AI language should be incorporated into multiple existing policies or addressed via a new policy, and to consult staff and outside experts as needed.
What’s next: the policy subcommittee will undertake research and return recommendations to the full committee; administration will publish calendar changes and finalized policy language as adopted.
