Board gives first reading to technology and generative AI policies emphasizing student privacy

The Springfield Board of Education placed multiple technology-related policies on first reading at its July 28 meeting, including P2360 (Use of Technology), P2361 (Acceptable Use), P2365 (Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence), P5516 (Use of Electronic Communication Devices) and P7523 (School District Provided Technology Devices).

The AI policy (P2365) presented for first reading emphasizes both potential educational benefits of AI and the need to protect student privacy. The policy text states the district will not allow staff or students to input identifiable student or confidential district data into AI tools and requires use of district-approved AI tools only. It also calls for professional development for staff on ethical and effective AI use and for the superintendent to report and recommend any revisions if provisions become inapplicable.

Policy highlights include explicit references to federal privacy laws (FERPA, COPPA) and other safeguards: P2361 reaffirms compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, P5516 restricts student personal device use during school hours except where authorized by IEP/health plans and forbids recordings in private spaces, and P7523 outlines device issuance, parent acknowledgements, and requirements for reporting lost or stolen devices.

Why it matters: the AI policy’s prohibition on entering identifiable student data into third-party AI tools and the district approval requirement aim to reduce privacy and security risks while allowing controlled, pedagogical uses of generative AI.

The policies were placed for first reading as part of the governance agenda; adoption will require subsequent board action after the first-reading process. The Superintendent and board leadership flagged professional development and equity-of-access issues within the AI policy text.