Prince Edward County school board adopts AI policy with annual review, approves $35.3 million budget and grant appropriation

The Prince Edward County School Board on March 4 adopted a new artificial intelligence policy with an explicit annual-review requirement and approved its proposed budget for the coming year, $35,321,027, while also accepting a regional Gear Up grant for college-readiness activities.

Mr. Crabtree presented the AI policy for second reading and asked the board to approve it. During discussion a board member asked that the policy include a recurring review schedule to keep pace with rapid technological change; the board agreed to add language requiring the board to review the policy at least once a year, with staff and the policy committee able to return it sooner if developments warrant. The amended AI policy was adopted by unanimous vote.

Superintendent Dr. Jones told the board the proposed operating budget is based on December guidance and that the total anticipated funding recorded in the meeting was $35,321,027. He cautioned members that the figure will likely require amendment once the governor signs the final state budget. The board voted to adopt the budget as presented, with the expectation it may be amended later.

The board also voted unanimously to accept a Gear Up grant described in the meeting record with a truncated numeric string ('$30,27'); staff said the award will support regional college-readiness activities in partnership with Longwood University and Southside Community College, including summer STEM programming and work-based learning. Board members said the grant will support hands-on learning and stronger postsecondary connections.

Other actions included approval of two-year school calendars for 2026–27 and 2027–28, adoption of the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA) honor roll resolution recognizing several local businesses, and adoption of a board code of conduct. All listed motions passed by unanimous voice vote.

Votes at a glance

- AI policy (second reading, amended to require annual board review): approved, unanimous. - FY proposed budget (total recorded in meeting: $35,321,027): approved, unanimous; board noted future amendment possible pending the governor's final budget. - Gear Up grant appropriation (amount in transcript recorded as ' $30,27' — figure truncated in transcript): approved, unanimous. - 2026–27 and 2027–28 school calendars: approved, unanimous. - VSBA honor roll resolution (recognizing Ridge Animal Hospital, North Street Press Club, Aramar): approved, unanimous. - School board code of conduct (second reading): approved, unanimous. - Consent agenda items (routine): approved, unanimous. - Personnel budget as considered in closed session: adopted, unanimous.

Context and next steps

Dr. Jones said the budget will be returned to the board for amendment if the state budget differs from December guidance; staff will implement the AI policy changes through teacher training and the policy committee will schedule an annual review. The Gear Up grant will be coordinated regionally and used for programming such as summer STEM opportunities and partnerships with Longwood and Southside Community College. The board asked staff to return governance norms and protocols for final action after review at the April meeting.

Attributions

Quotes and attributions in this report come from board members and staff speaking during the public meeting. Key speakers on actions included Mr. Crabtree (AI policy presentation) and Dr. Jones (budget and grant updates).