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Board holds first reading of policies; member objects to AI and fundraising approaches
Summary
Board approved first readings of several policies, discussed a proposed generative-AI policy, and heard a board member say fundraising policies and policy review process need more public discussion before final votes.
The Toms River Regional School District board approved first readings of multiple policies listed on the agenda and discussed drafting a generative-AI policy to balance classroom uses with academic integrity. A board speaker noted that teachers and staff are already seeing AI's impact and that the district intends to develop a policy for classroom guidance.
One board member registered strong objections to the package, saying the "policy wellness check" the board requested months earlier had not occurred in public and that policy 9181 (fundraising activities to support volunteer coaches) is "out of control." That member said fundraising and stipend items raise financial concerns and announced a 'no' vote on all policies during the roll call. The board agreed to review fundraising policies at a September policy meeting to address community concerns.
"So it's just a 1st reading with the intent of going through obviously, we all know...how AI has affected, like, some work and what's going on in schools," one speaker said about the proposed AI guidance. Another board member said, "fundraising activities to pay our volunteer coaches are really out of control at this point," and asked that policy meetings be public to allow community discussion.
