Policy committee advances Columbus City Schools AI draft requiring vetted tools and human review

The Policy & Governance Committee of the Columbus City School District on March 9 voted to advance a draft artificial intelligence policy to the full board, moving the district toward compliance with Ohio House Bill 96, which requires school districts to adopt an AI policy by July 1, 2026.

Mr. Lockheart, who presented the draft on behalf of a cross‑functional work group, said the policy is the product of “months of thoughtful discussion” by about 50 participants and is intentionally ‘‘people‑centered’’ to ensure AI remains a classroom tool rather than a decision maker. ‘‘All AI‑driven decisions require human review,’’ he said, and the draft requires vendors to guarantee that district data will not be used to train external models.

The draft separates definitions for general artificial intelligence and generative AI, directs the administration to build AI literacy through curriculum and professional learning, and establishes a formal vetting and risk‑assessment process for any tool that will be used with student or district data. The policy also says commonly embedded tools such as basic grammar checkers and accessibility features should not be unintentionally restricted.

Committee members pressed presenters on the practicalities of vetting large numbers of consumer tools. ‘‘Is that feasible?’’ asked Mr. Vogle. Mr. Lockheart responded that the district will limit acceptable classroom systems to vetted platforms and rely on contractual protections and technical controls rather than attempting to review every external tool.

The committee also discussed procurement and operational uses of AI outside instruction, and presenters said procurement language in the draft applies districtwide and that purchasing‑handbook changes are underway to enforce vetting. Presenters said student voices were sought in recent visits, and staff will continue to involve students during development of administrative guidelines.

After discussion, a committee member moved to advance the draft AI policy to the full board with consideration of the committee’s advice. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote. The committee thanked the work group and educators who raised the issue, and staff said they will return to the committee and board with administrative guidelines and periodic implementation updates.

Next steps: the policy will be scheduled for consideration by the full board; staff will refine administrative guidance, expand communication about approved systems, and continue stakeholder engagement as the district moves toward the July 1, 2026 statutory deadline.