Board reviews first reading of AI and acceptable‑use guidance; advisory committee, pilot planned

Trustees at the Spartanburg School District 1 board meeting received a first reading of draft acceptable‑use policies that include guidance for artificial intelligence (AI) in instruction and administrative work.

Dr. Brown, the district policy presenter, summarized the proposed administrative rule for AI, saying the tool "can support educators by assisting with lesson planning, creating supplemental instructional materials, personalizing learning, streamlining administrative tasks, and providing professional development resources." He emphasized that any assignment permitting AI use must clearly state the allowance in the assignment details.

Board members asked for clearer, tiered parameters for teacher use and suggested the district identify professional‑development resources so teachers can implement AI productively and safely. Mr. Johnson recommended developing a top‑down professional‑development plan that aligns classroom practice with district expectations; he said selecting the right professional‑development partner will be key to making AI time‑saving rather than burdensome for teachers.

Staff described plans for an advisory committee and a pilot during the first semester after the administrative rule is finalized, so the district can adapt guidance as technologies evolve. The policy package also frames AI governance under the broader umbrella of acceptable‑use technology rules rather than isolating AI policy in a silo.

No final vote on the AI administrative rule occurred at the meeting; the item was shared for review and first reading. Staff asked trustees for feedback to refine teacher parameters, vetting procedures and professional‑development plans ahead of subsequent meetings.

Next steps: staff will refine administrative rules and consider a pilot and advisory committee to guide implementation; trustees will have an opportunity to review revisions before a final vote.