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Parent raises curriculum and AI concerns as board reviews climate survey
Summary
During the June 11 meeting, Acting Superintendent Tim Smith presented climate survey results and pledged further review; public commenter Ashley Tewell asked for transparency on AI policy development and a deeper look at Grade 5 social studies lessons on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Acting Superintendent Timothy Smith presented results of a district climate survey on June 11 and said some parents raised concerns about the instrument’s questions; he told the board he will discuss the survey with district leadership and share findings with Welcoming Schools groups.
During the public comment period, Ashley Tewell congratulated the Teacher and Paraeducator of the Year winners and retirees, and then voiced two concerns: she asked the district to maintain transparency as artificial intelligence policy is developed and implemented in schools, and she asked the Teacher & Learning committee to examine Grade 5 social studies curriculum content dealing with Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day. The transcript reports that Mr. Smith acknowledged parents’ feedback and said he will convene a group to develop administrative regulations (ARs) for AI and will communicate with parents.
Board members and staff also highlighted student achievements and district events during recognitions earlier in the meeting, including a state championship baseball appearance for Stonington High School and a pair of student winners at the Connecticut Invention Convention.
Next steps noted in the meeting: superintendent to review the climate survey instrument with district leadership and to brief Welcoming Schools committees; administrative regulations for AI use will be developed and communicated to families.
