Board adopts draft AI policy for 2026–27 student handbook after brief challenge

The Bossier Parish school board voted to adopt a draft artificial intelligence policy to include in the 2026–27 student handbook after a motion to table the item failed and one board member voted against final approval.

Miss Finney, the district staff member who presented the draft procedures, told the board the document is a confidential, draft set of procedures covering suspected misuse of AI by students and staff and that copies had been provided to members. "This document is stamped confidential and it is in draft form," she said, adding the procedures are intended initially for grades 9 through 12 and that the district will monitor guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) and any state legislation that could require amendments.

A board member who moved to table the item — recorded in the meeting as Mr. Follum and later referred to in the record as Mr. Faulding — said the draft lacked clear assignment of responsibility and protections for students and teachers and cited litigation involving Lafourche Parish as a reason to delay. "I just don't feel comfortable voting on this," he said, arguing the draft does not specify who would monitor AI use, who would be held accountable, or how parents would be notified.

The chair explained that tabling the item required an up-or-down vote and that the nays prevailed, allowing the board to continue consideration. The superintendent, speaking after the vote, emphasized the draft's fluidity and that administrative committees would revisit the document regularly. The superintendent also noted that existing policy files and the district's pupil-progression plan provide related protections until the handbook procedures are implemented.

Board member Mister Bertrand urged adopting a base policy now to provide the district a starting point that can be amended as AI norms and guidance evolve. Miss Smith moved to accept the policy as presented; a second was recorded but not identified in the transcript. The board approved the policy, with the earlier motioner recorded as the lone dissent.

Miss Finney told the board she had sought legal input and cited Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:81(C) as authorizing school boards to adopt policies for their governance so long as they do not conflict with state law. She encouraged members and the public to direct interpretation questions to district administrators as the district awaits further guidance from the LDOE.

The board concluded that the policy would be added to the student handbook for the 2026–27 school year and that administrators would update procedures as state guidance or legislation warranted. The meeting was then adjourned.