OASIS board adopts new artificial intelligence policy for students and staff

The OASIS Charter School Board on May 12 adopted a revised artificial intelligence policy intended to govern student and staff use of AI across the district.

Superintendent Jackie Collins told the board the policy — revised after being pulled from the consent agenda — defines generative AI and large language models, distinguishes closed‑source from open‑source tools, and requires vetting and approval of AI products by principals and the superintendent. Collins said the board’s intent is to allow beneficial classroom and administrative uses while protecting student data and school operations.

"Any closed AI tool that our system uses has to be vetted and reviewed and evaluated and approved by not only the principal, but myself as well," Collins said, describing mandatory vendor reviews, contractual safeguards and regular audits to assess accuracy, fairness and compliance with federal and state privacy laws.

The policy allows employees to incorporate approved AI tools into instruction and workflows — for example, drafting communications, analyzing data and developing reports — provided outputs are verified for accuracy and compliance. Students will receive age‑appropriate instruction about responsible AI use starting in kindergarten and may use AI only when a teacher explicitly permits it in writing, the policy says. Unauthorized student use may be treated as plagiarism or misrepresentation and could result in discipline, Collins said.

Board members pressed Collins on the policy’s origin and enforcement. Collins said the draft policy was developed by NEOLA based on statute and legal review; district staff will produce a detailed guidance document this summer to implement the policy and train staff and students. She said principals will handle initial inquiries and that severe incidents that meet harassment or Title IX thresholds would be handled through HR and legal channels.

Board member Michaels criticized a provision that requires explicit teacher permission for any student AI use, calling it too restrictive and urging the district to treat AI as a workforce tool students should learn to use responsibly. Collins said she would revisit the language to balance adoption with academic integrity safeguards.

Member Kilroy moved to adopt the policy in full. The board took a roll‑call vote and the clerk recorded unanimous assent; the motion carried. Collins said the board will receive a more detailed AI guidance document at a future meeting, with training and operational procedures to follow.

The policy as adopted includes vetting procedures for vendors, prohibitions on entering personally identifiable or confidential information into unvetted systems, annual training for staff, and a requirement that student permissions and AI disclosures be documented. Collins said enforcement will be case‑by‑case and that the district will continue to consult legal counsel as case law and state guidance evolve.

The board’s action makes the policy effective upon approval; Collins said the district will present an implementation guidance document to the board in August.