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District presents responsible-AI guidance to staff; Gemini turned on for grades 7—12
Summary
The district tech director and administrators summarized recent professional development on generative AI, recommended guidance levels for classroom use, and said Google Gemini (education) is enabled for grades 7—12 with plans to expand; board discussed accuracy, privacy and assignment design to surface student use of AI.
Marshalltown's technology leadership updated the board on Feb. 16 about district work to prepare teachers and students for generative AI use and the board policy that underpins classroom guidance.
The district's tech director (name not stated in the transcript) and Superintendent Dr. Theren Shy described 90 minutes of AI professional development the district offered in January and a policy framework designed to protect student privacy and promote responsible, transparent use. The presentation said the district vetted tools for privacy and safety and selected Google Gemini for Education as an approved tool because it is "transparent and interruptible" and integrates with district Google services.
Administrators emphasized layered guidance for assignments: categories ranging from "no use" to "planning/assisting/revising/acknowledging" so teachers can specify acceptable uses on an assignment-by-assignment basis. They also noted there is not a reliable AI-detection tool and recommended assignment designs that require students to show edits and explain how they used AI.
Board members said the approach to teach students to use AI responsibly — rather than an outright ban — aligns with workforce expectations. One board member said professional development and explicit assignment rubrics gave teachers needed structure; another raised concerns about accuracy and the need for students to learn to scrutinize AI outputs.
Administrators said Gemini is enabled for grades 7—12 and the district is preparing communications for parents before broadening access; much AI on the district network remains blocked by firewall filters and policies. The presentation referenced privacy/regulatory frameworks by name when explaining protections for students.
The board did not take a vote on policy at the meeting; administrators said the policy and training materials will continue to be refined as teachers implement the levels of acceptable use in classrooms.
