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Assistant principal summarizes handbook revisions including AI guidance, restorative attendance options and phone caddies
Summary
The committee received a summarized first reading of proposed handbook changes — a clarified AI use policy, replacement of the appeals board with principal/designee for academic appeals, restorative practice options for certain absences and replacement of varied seating policies with schoolwide cell‑phone caddies — and slated the item for a later vote.
The committee heard a condensed presentation of proposed student‑handbook revisions from the high‑school assistant principal, who identified clearer guidance for acceptable use of artificial intelligence and several disciplinary and operational changes.
"We're adding more concise information about the proper use of AI... we now have kind of a definition of AI and then brainstorming what they can use AI for," Mr. Kennedy said, explaining the update aims to move from vague language to specific examples of appropriate use. He also told the committee that the appeals process would shift from a standing appeals board to decision by the principal or a designee, and that certain attendance consequences — previously punitive measures such as Saturday school — would be replaced in favor of restorative practice assignments so students can make up unexcused absences through appropriate restorative work.
Mr. Kennedy noted a consolidation of on‑campus procedures, including a move to consistent schoolwide phone caddies rather than multiple local approaches, and a clarification about adults over 21 and under‑ninth‑grade attendance at school dances. The wellness policy (ADF) was discussed in the same packet; committee members said DESE language and district nutrition and nursing staff had contributed to required wellness elements and that the item would return for a second reading with highlighted edits.
Next steps: staff will highlight the proposed edits for the committee's second reading at a future meeting; no final action on the handbook was taken this evening.
