Board adopts updated student personal electronic device policy after debate over AI and implementation

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education approved an update to Policy JCO governing student personal electronic devices on third reading after public comment and an extended debate about how to handle classroom screen time and new state requirements for artificial intelligence policy.

Superintendent Dr. Bedell presented the changes as largely technical edits meant to codify current practice; the board heard multiple public comments urging stronger limits on devices. "Machine learning is apparently an anti tool," math teacher Robbie Pillow Lemaria told the board, warning that readily available AI makes cheating easier and urging policies that both discourage misuse and promote learning. CTO Mike Bercoski told the board that "legislation was passed that requires us as a school district, by September to actually have an AI policy in place," and that district staff are drafting an AI policy and accompanying regulations guided by MSDE.

Board members debated the timing and scope of the JCO changes, with some arguing the proposed policy edits were largely stylistic while others said the community needed firmer limits and clearer implementation guidance before the school year. A motion to table the policy was offered and then withdrawn; the board approved the JCO policy "subject to final correction for style and format" by a 7-1 roll call, with one member recorded as voting "nay." The superintendent and staff said they will continue work on a separate AI policy to meet state deadlines and provide further guidance to building leaders.