Teacher urges detailed AI policy; board sends proposed academic‑honesty revision back to committee

Ketchikan teacher Peter Stanton told the Board of Education that the proposed three-sentence addition to BP 5131.9 (Academic Honesty) was insufficient to provide staff, students and families with clear expectations about artificial-intelligence tools.

"The proposed update is entirely inadequate to address the needs of students and staff when it comes to academic honesty," Stanton said during public comment. He urged the board to send the policy back to the policy committee for a fuller, clearer policy that outlines acceptable uses and classroom guidance.

Board members echoed the call for more detail. Several members noted they had received Stanton’s written memo and recommended inviting teachers and other educators to participate in policy-committee deliberations. During discussion the board voted on the first-reading revision and the motion failed (7 no votes). The board chair announced the item will return to the policy committee for additional work.

Why this matters: Educators reported being confronted by new student uses of AI tools and said they need district-level guidance that is specific to classroom practice and enforcement. The board’s decision to send the policy back to committee delays any immediate change but opens a path for broader stakeholder engagement.

Ending: The policy committee will review model policies and teacher input and present a revised draft to the board at a future meeting.