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The Warren County School District is moving forward with proposed policies governing the use of generative artificial intelligence and unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones.
The two policies were presented Monday during the district's Committee of the Whole meeting as informational items. Board members indicated they will advance both policies to first and second readings at the board's meeting in two weeks.
The proposed generative artificial intelligence policy would establish rules for the use of AI tools by students, employees and other authorized users throughout the district.
District officials said the policy has been reviewed by the district solicitor. The proposal would initially allow teachers to use district-approved generative AI tools, including SchoolAI, with the possibility of expanding student use as teachers become more familiar with the technology.
The policy states that generative AI could be used to support lesson design, differentiated instructional materials, communication, professional productivity, administrative workflows and other authorized educational purposes.
Students could use district-approved AI tools for activities such as brainstorming, tutoring, drafting, feedback, research, coding and other teacher-assigned work.
The policy also establishes restrictions on AI use. Students would not be permitted to use personal AI accounts or unapproved third-party AI tools on district-issued devices or through district-provided accounts.
Students also could not present AI-generated material as their own original work when doing so conflicts with teacher instructions, assignment requirements or academic-integrity expectations.
Teachers would be able to establish assignment-specific rules regarding whether AI may be used and whether its use must be disclosed or cited.
For employees, the policy would prohibit the use of personal AI accounts and unapproved AI subscriptions on district-issued devices. Staff could use district-approved tools for professional purposes, provided they comply with district technology and confidentiality requirements.
The proposal also requires human oversight when AI is used to assist with student work, assessment or feedback. Any grade or evaluation entered into a student’s educational record would have to be reviewed and determined by the responsible teacher.
Data privacy is another major component of the proposed policy. The policy would prohibit users from entering a student's personally identifiable information, protected educational records, confidential personnel information or other sensitive district information into non-district-approved AI platforms.
AI-generated material also would have to be reviewed for accuracy, reliability, relevance and potential bias, with users responsible for independently verifying information when accuracy is important.
The policy would apply not only to current AI platforms but also to future technologies that meet the policy’s definition of generative AI.
The second policy discussed Monday would establish rules for unmanned aircraft systems operated by the district.
District officials said the policy is particularly relevant to larger drones operated through the district’s career center, and smaller drones generally do not fall under the same requirements addressed by the new policy.
The proposed policy recognizes the educational value of drone technology while establishing requirements intended to protect students, employees, the public and property.
Under the proposal, educational use of drones on district property or during district-sponsored activities would require prior approval from a building administrator.
Operations would have to comply with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, Pennsylvania law and district procedures. Students using drones would need appropriate instruction and demonstrate an understanding of safe operation.
The policy distinguishes educational use from operational use.
Operational use could include building and grounds inspections, promotional photography or video, documentation of athletic or extracurricular activities and other authorized district activities.
Operational drone use would require approval from the superintendent or designee and generally would have to comply with FAA Part 107 or another applicable FAA authority.
When Part 107 applies, the district would designate a Remote Pilot in Command who holds a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.
The policy also addresses requirements involving aircraft registration, Remote Identification, airspace restrictions and other FAA rules.
Private drone use on district property would be prohibited without prior authorization from the superintendent or designee. This would apply to privately owned drones operated by students, employees, parents or guardians, community members and news organizations.
The proposed policy would not restrict authorized drone use by law enforcement or other governmental agencies acting within their legal authority.
Following the discussion, no board members raised objections to either policy, and both were advanced for first reading at the upcoming board meeting.