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Parents urge Malden school leaders to require notice, consent before classroom use of AI tool
Summary
A public commenter at the Feb. 2 Malden School Committee meeting said seventh graders are being required to use an AI tool called Course Mojo without parental consent and urged the district to disclose what data are shared, present balanced information, and provide opt‑out options; another parent urged treating pilots as pilots and measuring results.
Dr. Liz Tanakbanwa, a Malden parent, told the School Committee on Feb. 2 that entire seventh‑grade classes are being required to use an AI tool (referred to in public comment as Course Mojo) without parental consent and asked the district for greater transparency and a clearer engagement process.
"Once again, I am here to bring up the inequities that persist by forcing entire classes to use AI without parental consent," Dr. Tanakbanwa said, asking the committee to inform families ahead of events about what data will be shared, to avoid formats that merely talk at caregivers, and to present balanced information about "the pros and cons of using course mojo." She also asked administrators to publish midyear data comparing prior‑year and current‑year student survey and assessment results she said families have not seen.
The concern drew support from an online commenter identified as Caitlyn, who urged that new technologies be treated as pilots with opt‑out options and that the district collect evidence on whether the tools improve outcomes. "We as parents want our schools to consider new technologies, but...parents are given adequate notice and opportunity to opt out when new technologies are being piloted," Caitlyn said, adding that families have asked for fuller texts in high‑school English rather than excerpts.
Superintendent Sippo reviewed the agenda item and invited further engagement; the public comment period otherwise closed without the committee taking immediate action on a policy change. Committee members asked for follow‑up details during the superintendent's report and Q&A about data sources and community engagement plans.
The comments put the issue of classroom AI use and family consent squarely on the committee's public record. Parents asked that future engagement sessions include clear information about what data third‑party vendors collect, how those data are used, which grades and classrooms will be affected next year, and whether an opt‑out pathway will be provided.
The committee did not vote on a new policy at the Feb. 2 meeting. Administrators signaled they would be hosting family engagement sessions on curriculum and technology topics and that they will provide additional data and details at a later date.
