Middletown board weighs AI policy, proposes task force and opens discussion on expanding pre‑K services

Board members at the May 20 meeting discussed two topics they described as priorities for study: district policy and oversight on artificial intelligence, and long‑term expansion of pre‑K services.

On artificial intelligence, board member Mr. Parino proposed an AI task force to study how the district should approach AI, including privacy and vendor agreements. The superintendent and board members said the director of technology, Kevin Leonis, has been working on digital safety, vendor tracking and privacy protections and that the district uses contracted providers for digital and security audits. One member asked whether outside firms perform AI audits; administrators said they rely on contracted providers and internal technology leadership to assess digital safety and data sharing.

On early childhood programming, several board members raised the possibility of expanding pre‑K, including the idea of a dedicated pre‑K center, while acknowledging practical barriers such as classroom space and funding. Members suggested exploring partnerships with neighboring districts, community organizations and existing local facilities, and recommended the teaching-and‑learning or reorganization committees study the topic over the coming year. Board members emphasized that early education could help address learning gaps for English language learners and other students who enter kindergarten behind their peers.

Board members asked that both issues be considered as part of upcoming committee work and the district’s reorganization planning for the next school year.