PGCPS presents AI literacy plan and vendor safeguards; Gemini rollout for high schools discussed

Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) officials briefed the committee on an AI literacy plan, the district's approach to tools and vendor vetting, and safeguards intended to protect student data.

CIO Andrew Zuckman said the district is moving from a multi‑year pilot phase into a three‑year implementation emphasizing personalized learning and responsible AI use. "To level set, with respect to students, we do not have AI generative AI tools enabled for students yet in Prince George's County Public Schools," Zuckman said. He described staff access to large language models and productivity tools and said the district's aim is to build a culture of responsible, ethical, and safe AI use.

Monica Jenkins, assistant director for technology integration and support, described tools presently available to staff (Gemini, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) and teacher productivity tools such as Brisk, Canva and Adobe Express. Jenkins said staff use of LLMs is limited to specific administrative and instructional purposes and that Brisk and other classroom tools are deployed only after vetting.

Megan Eric (data privacy administrator) and other staff explained vendor vetting procedures including questionnaires about AI features, commitments not to use district data for model training, deletion protocols and obligations to inform the district of platform changes. The district also requires enterprise agreements with major vendors and mandatory training that includes AI and data privacy. Staff stressed the "human in the loop" requirement: teachers retain final authority over grades and feedback that AI tools may help draft.

Presenters gave practical pilot examples: some AI tutoring and curriculum tools are available in selected high schools; staff said certain tools like Conmigo are available in every high school but limited to specific courses. On timing, presenters made two related statements: one said Gemini would be enabled "later this school year," while another reference said the district plans to enable Gemini for high school students in 2027; the committee requested clarification on timing.

Council members asked about student voice in pilots, pilot selection criteria and ethics instruction; staff said students serve on the technology advisory committee and the district is expanding ethics‑focused professional development and classroom materials.