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Board reviews new AI guidelines, curriculum pacing guides and a Spanish textbook; approves a foreign exchange student
Summary
Dr. Hollinssworth presented multiple curriculum updates May 11, including first readings for an updated elementary handbook with a traffic‑light AI protocol, pacing guides and proposed novels, and a recommendation to adopt the "Auténtico" Spanish program; the board unanimously approved a German exchange student placement.
Dr. Hollinssworth presented a broad set of curriculum and policy items at the May 11 New Richmond board meeting, including new guidance for classroom use of artificial intelligence, multiple pacing‑guide updates and a proposed textbook adoption.
The elementary handbook first reading included several changes: kindergarten entrance will be the first day of school rather than Aug. 1; new preschool‑tuition language describes a sliding scale with a standard tuition of $250 per month; and the district replaced the term "excessive absences" with a chronic‑absenteeism definition (missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason). The board also reviewed new operational AI guidelines that implement a traffic‑light protocol for assignments: a red light (no AI allowed), yellow (AI may assist for brainstorming or drafting but not final output) and green (AI is an essential part of the assignment).
Dr. Hollinssworth presented a first reading to substitute I Am Malala as a standalone eighth‑grade novel (it is already part of the adopted curriculum), and she introduced a new elective pacing guide called "Art of Fear" as well as a set of additional novels proposed for that course. The board received first readings for updated pacing guides across grades and fine‑arts offerings.
The district also proposed adopting the Spanish program "Auténtico" (publisher materials and online resources) for Spanish 1–3, calling out comprehensive standards coverage, native‑speaker video resources and assessment tools; this was introduced as a first reading with sample materials shown.
Dr. Hollinssworth brought forward one action item that the board approved: the placement of an incoming foreign exchange student, Zoe Broch, an 11th‑grade student from Germany, for the 2026–27 school year (vote 5–0). Several other curriculum items, including the handbook and textbook adoption, were presented as first readings and will return for future board action.
