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District details software access and AI controls as board warns on cybersecurity and screen time
Summary
IT director outlined district software deployment, grade-band access and vendor vetting; board members pressed for clearer AI policy, pilot expansion, and stronger cybersecurity alignment using CIS frameworks.
The school district's IT director, Mr. Chauhan, described how district devices and software are managed and how student access is differentiated by grade band at the board's March 27 work session.
Chauhan explained the district pushes applications through a centralized portal and limits some tools to the classes or labs that need them. "These student access is intentionally differentiated by grade band to ensure age-appropriate content, alignment with instructional goals, and compliance with privacy and safety standards," he said.
On artificial intelligence, Chauhan said the district currently authorizes two AI platforms for school use: Magic School AI for students (curated for K'12) and Microsoft Co-pilot for staff within the O365 environment. He emphasized vendor vetting, data-privacy agreements and device-management tooling (patch management and Microsoft Configuration Manager) as key safeguards.
Board members pushed for clearer policy and a deliberate rollout. "I think the bigger conversation we need to have here on the board is about artificial intelligence," said Ms. Bowright, who urged rapid planning for curriculum and policy to equip students while protecting privacy. Several members suggested using the CIS cybersecurity framework as a basis for district audits and budgeting for necessary security measures.
The board also discussed screen-time concerns and the balance between in-class use and tactile learning. Members advocated pilots (Bluffton High is piloting an AI course) and a revived technology subcommittee to produce recommendations about AI access, curriculum integration and budget implications.
What comes next: staff will return with recommended next steps for AI policy, a clearer vendor inventory, and cybersecurity compliance steps tied to state guidance and the CIS controls.
