Solanco SD board approves generative AI policy, names technology director to vet tools

The Solanco SD Board approved the second and final reading of policy 815.1 on the use of generative artificial intelligence in instruction and school operations.

Dr. Bliss, introducing the measure, said the policy aligns the district with evolving state guidance and ‘‘establishes rules and training so we use AI responsibly,’’ while emphasizing that AI will not replace teachers. During discussion the board highlighted two central elements: training for staff and students about appropriate AI use, and a ‘‘human-in-the-loop’’ requirement for evaluating AI-generated material.

Board members asked how the district will keep the list of authorized AI tools current. Jason Sers, identified in the discussion as the district’s director of technology, described an iterative approval process and an online listing on the technology page where approved tools will be posted for parents and staff to review. Sers named examples discussed in the meeting—Notebook LM (part of the district’s Google package), Claude, Magic School AI and Google’s Gemini—as types of systems that could be evaluated for specific classroom uses and age groups.

Sers said decisions about tool approval will involve multiple stakeholders: ‘‘Jason Sers as our director of technology would be a key component in the instructional realm,’’ and building principals and teachers would also weigh in. The policy allows differentiated access—some tools may be approved for teacher use or older students only—and requires citation or other attribution when students submit AI-assisted work.

The board adopted the policy by voice vote. The motion carried.