Jenison board hears concerns, staff report standards for AI use in classrooms

Parents and staff at the Jenison Public Schools workshop on Sept. 29 pressed the district for clearer rules on student use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Parent Jason Lerg said his daughter’s experience with AI raised concerns about accuracy and ethics and asked whether the district has policies or guidelines for school use.

District leaders said they have started setting expectations for staff. "The district has established and shared standards for the use of Al with staff, including informational posters," administration reported, and an AI professional learning community is testing practical classroom uses. Superintendent Brandon Graham and Director Julie Roby said the district will continue refining boundaries to protect students’ development of foundational skills while exploring instructional benefits.

Board members agreed staff should return with clearer, community-facing guidance. The presentation included a plan to administer follow-up outreach and to report updated guidelines to the board for review. No formal policy vote was taken at the workshop; the discussion was advisory and meant to inform future action.