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Committee approves handbook updates adding deepfakes policy and handbook consistency checks
Summary
The committee approved Lowell Public Schools handbook updates for 2026–27 that incorporate Department of Education guidance on synthetic media/deepfakes and include other edits; members asked staff to pursue consistency across elementary, middle and high school handbooks and noted upcoming state work on graduation requirements.
The Lowell School Committee on July 15 approved updates to the district’s student handbooks for the 2026–27 school year. Staff said changes reflect new guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that requires districts to address synthetic media — often described as AI-generated images, video and audio — and include it as a listed violation.
Members discussed consistency across handbook versions (elementary, middle and high school) and asked whether certain provisions — such as headwear, gang-related language and harassment rules — are applied uniformly where appropriate. Member Conway asked whether the handbooks are reviewed by the city solicitor; staff said student-services attorneys typically review handbook changes but that staff could consult the city solicitor if committee members desire.
Assistant Superintendent Roberge noted that the statewide graduation council released findings in late June and that forthcoming Department of Education grant funding may prompt further work aligning graduation requirements at Lowell High School; staff said updates will continue as that state work evolves.
The committee approved the handbook updates by roll call. Staff said handbooks will be posted electronically (Aspen portal) and translated as needed before the school year begins.
