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River Falls board advances cell‑phone rules and begins district AI rollout
Summary
Trustees approved a first reading of a new non‑school‑issued personal‑communication‑device policy aligned with state law and heard a large staff survey on AI use; the district has deployed Securely to deflect students seeking AI answers and plans professional learning and a student AI literacy pathway.
The River Falls Board of Education on Monday approved a first reading of a new non‑school‑issued personal communication device (PCD) policy to align with state law effective July 1 and heard a district presentation on artificial intelligence tools, staff concerns, and technical guardrails.
The PCD policy distinguishes PK–8 and 9–12 expectations: younger students may possess devices but are not allowed to have them on their person or in use during the school day, while high‑school students may possess devices but not use them during instructional time; when not in use, high‑school devices are to be stored in classroom phone lockers or hallway lockers. Staff described progressive disciplinary steps for violations and emphasized partnering with families when phones are confiscated.
Why it matters: Trustees said the policy clarifies expectations and gives principals a clear framework for enforcement. Dave (district staff) summarized that the policy’s goal is to support instructional focus and safety while recognizing limited, documented exceptions (health‑management needs, IEP/504 accommodations, emergencies, or principal‑approved uses).
AI briefing and technical controls: Mary Beth led a district briefing on AI. She said a staff survey found widespread experimentation but also concern: “72% of respondents said they were concerned that AI will negatively impact students’ critical‑thinking skills,” she reported, and noted that many teachers do not feel confident managing classrooms where students use AI. To reduce misuse, the district has deployed Securely to monitor and block student attempts to use generative AI to get direct answers to school assignments; Mary Beth demonstrated Securely responses that deflect direct answer requests and suggest seeking adult guidance. She said the district plans further professional learning on AI, a student AI literacy survey, and a pathway for age‑appropriate AI instruction.
Trustee action and next steps: The board approved the PCD policy first reading on a 5–0 vote. Staff said they will finalize AI policy language for later board consideration, expand teacher professional learning before the next school year, and survey students to inform student‑facing guidance. Securely data shared with the board showed high initial prompt volume with many deflections after the tool was enabled.
What to watch: District staff will return with finalized AI policy language and professional‑learning timelines before the 2026–27 school year; families can expect communications on device expectations and on the district’s approach to AI teaching and monitoring.
