School Board Newsletter: Our Policy on AI Tools in Schools

AI tools are now part of most students' lives outside of school and, increasingly, inside it. A school board AI use policy establishes the rules for how these tools can be used in the district, protects students' data and academic integrity, and gives teachers a clear framework for instruction. Communicating the policy clearly to families is essential because AI raises questions families care deeply about.

State the vote and what the policy covers

Open with the board action and the policy's scope. "The Board of Education voted on April 8 to adopt a comprehensive policy governing student and staff use of artificial intelligence tools across all district schools and grade levels." Then state the two or three most important things the policy establishes, so families can orient themselves before reading the details.

Describe what AI use is permitted

Explain the specific contexts in which students and staff may use AI tools. Are students permitted to use AI for research? For brainstorming? For feedback on writing drafts? Are there grade-level differences? Make the permitted uses concrete with examples families can recognize from their children's schoolwork.

Describe what is prohibited

Be equally specific about prohibited uses. Submitting AI-generated text as original student work, using AI to complete assessments that are meant to demonstrate individual mastery, and accessing AI tools on district devices in ways that circumvent content filters are common prohibitions. Name them clearly.

Explain how teachers will handle AI and academic integrity

Families with students in secondary grades particularly want to know how teachers will approach AI in assignments and what happens if a student submits AI-generated work. Describe the general approach without prescribing every teacher's practice. Note that individual teachers may set additional guidelines for specific assignments.

Address data privacy for AI tools

Parents have legitimate concerns about student data and AI. If the district has approved specific AI tools for classroom use, describe the data privacy standards those tools must meet. Note whether student data is used to train AI models and what the district's data agreements require.

Describe how the policy will be reviewed

AI technology is evolving quickly. Tell families when the board plans to review and update the policy and how they can provide input during that process. A policy that is presented as a living document generates more confidence than one that appears to have settled all questions.

Send the policy newsletter before the school year it takes effect

Families and students need to understand AI policies before the school year begins, not after a conflict has already occurred. Daystage gives district teams the tools to send a professional, accessible AI policy newsletter well ahead of the effective date.