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Westborough committee advances AI and phone policies in student handbooks, schedules public forum
Summary
Committee advanced handbook changes addressing AI use and a bell‑to‑bell phone‑free approach for grades 7‑12; trustees emphasized teacher guidance, training and an upcoming community forum to discuss safety and logistics.
Administrators presented an AI implementation policy and an updated personal device policy to be incorporated into the student handbooks approved June 10.
Matt described a multi‑year AI plan developed with district technologists and regional partners. "We want teacher authorization for classroom AI use and guardrails that protect student confidentiality," he said, adding that summer curriculum work is already integrating AI lessons in health and technology classes.
Trustees pressed for classroom‑level clarity so students understand what is authorized and what is not; one trustee recommended including policy specifics in course syllabi. The committee agreed that initial implementation should emphasize training and reasonable discipline, especially during early rollout.
On personal devices, administrators proposed a bell‑to‑bell phone‑free environment for grades 7‑12 with district‑provided storage pouches. Funding for pouches may be covered by a state earmark pending finalization; administrators noted contingency plans (phone lockers) and a parent/staff forum scheduled for June 11 at Mil Pond School to address logistics and safety, with additional meetings planned in July and August.
The committee asked administrators to prepare clear communications for families and to coordinate training so teachers can manage authorized AI use and phone‑free classrooms consistently.
