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Saugus USD presents plan for guided, privacy‑protected use of artificial intelligence in classrooms
Summary
District staff presented a snapshot of current and potential AI uses — personalized learning, intervention plans, scheduling and teacher efficiency — emphasizing privacy protections, COPPA compliance and the goal of teaching students to use AI to support, not replace, thinking.
Saugus Union School District administrators presented an overview of current AI practices and possible next steps at the board’s Dec. 16 meeting, showing pilot uses in diagnostics, interventions and teacher workflow.
Kathleen Pertesas, coordinator of assessments and special projects, explained that the district is using Common Sense Media materials for sixth‑grade AI literacy and experimenting with tools such as I‑Ready Pro to tailor lessons. She said the district will encourage staff and students to use a district‑managed AI environment (Google Gemini tied to district accounts) to help protect student data.
Presenters emphasized four focus areas: personalized learning (using diagnostics and adaptive lessons), intervention accessibility (speech‑to‑text and targeted plans), task efficiency (scheduling and planning) and responsible technology use including COPPA and privacy safeguards. Staff said they want to shift from blanket prohibitions toward lessons that teach students how to use AI critically and ethically.
Trustees asked about teacher uses of AI and privacy protections. Staff said district enterprise accounts and vendor choices will be used to limit data exposure and that staff will model appropriate uses in lessons.
What happens next: District staff will continue piloting classroom AI applications, review privacy risks, and incorporate AI guidance into digital‑citizenship lessons and professional development.
