Duluth staff outline cautious AI rollout: training, student surveys and no immediate student rollout

District technology leaders briefed the board on the district’s AI initiatives and stakeholder feedback gathered since earlier in the year. Listening sessions included students, parents, teachers and University of Minnesota Duluth faculty; district surveys captured student and staff perspectives.

Survey results and written student input highlighted mixed views: students flagged environmental concerns, mental-health and the need to preserve a human component to learning, but many also noted AI’s usefulness as a tutor or as a way to find sources and get explanations in different forms. A staff survey reported nearly 82% of teachers see students using AI and sometimes submitting AI-generated work as their own.

Administration emphasized a teacher-first rollout strategy: no district-wide student rollout date was set; instead the district will focus on building staff capacity and refining a common syllabus statement (added to next year’s student handbook) that clarifies permitted AI use and academic-dishonesty consequences. The district plans to host K–12 AI trainer William Groovy in September for professional development and to develop grade-band competencies.

Board members discussed instructional shifts, possible “walled garden” physical labs for intentional AI instruction, policy review (Regulation 524.1), and the inclusion of student voice in policy design. Superintendent Maggus said detection-only approaches are not a complete solution and stressed preparing students for a future where AI tools are ubiquitous.

Administrators also proposed classroom-level practices such as submitting AI chat links and grading thinking and process rather than only answers. The board did not adopt new regulations at the meeting but asked administration to revisit policies and return with updates and further community engagement.