Upper Dublin outlines AI 'cardinal flight plan' and next steps for policy work

District leaders updated the education committee on their AI Think Tank and an initial policy framework Wednesday, describing a staged approach intended to align teacher practice, professional learning and responsible use guidelines.

Dr. Smith said the think tank — launched in December and including volunteer staff from across the district — organized a four‑phase "cardinal flight plan": preflight (developmental work), taxiing (inventory of existing AI features), takeoff (professional development) and cruising (ongoing refinement). "We're trying to be creative here," Smith said, adding that a draft policy language was taken to the policy committee and will return to the education committee in May.

Smith said the district surveyed teachers to determine current AI use and needs and plans to survey students; early conversations suggest students are using AI primarily for personal study tools (flashcards, note summaries) rather than widespread classroom misuse. IT staff cautioned that content filtering and privacy requirements will shape any future classroom implementations.

Board members asked about real‑time classroom use, equity, and privacy. Staff said the work will include a readiness checklist, vendor vetting for content filtering, and planned community engagement through the district’s Cardinal Conversations series.

Ending: The district will continue think‑tank work, policy drafting and staff surveys and will bring policy recommendations and an implementation plan to the committee in May.