Four years ago, few educators could have predicted that a computer could write an essay for a student based on a teacher's prompt. As a new school year begins, Lehigh Valley public school districts are taking varied approaches to artificial intelligence, with some investing heavily in its potential while others hold steady with existing policies.
The Allentown School District has moved furthest. It partnered with Google and the University of Pennsylvania earlier this year in a $1 million grant program to integrate AI usage across the administration and in the classroom.
"Our professional learning calendar will allow (AI) learning to extend across the district rather than remain with a small group of participants," said school district spokeswoman Melissa Reese.
Reese said the district is vetting AI software this year to make sure student data remains secure. "Artificial Intelligence sits at the very top of our strategic priorities as we prepare our students for a dynamic, tech-driven workforce," she said.
Phillipsburg builds guidelines around ethics and verification
The Phillipsburg School District is using New Jersey Department of Education guidelines this year to help craft its own rules for AI's responsible use in schools. Superintendent Greg Troxell said the district wants to make sure teachers and students understand the ethical boundaries of AI, how to verify information obtained through AI, and how to make sure AI doesn't replace the student's voice.
Troxell wants AI to become a tool that helps teachers without superseding them. "Our priorities remain student achievement, intervention, attendance, belonging, safety and supporting our teachers. AI should ultimately help us do those things better," Troxell said.
Other districts take a measured approach
Bethlehem Area School District has no immediate plans to change course. "We have no immediate plans to discuss AI. Our current policy is still in place and governs its use," said School Board President Michael Faccinetto. "I am a firm believer that we must teach students to use AI responsibly rather than try to ban it altogether. AI is very similar to Google and Yahoo circa 2000."
Nazareth Area School District School Board President Linda Stubits framed AI as a fact of life that schools must address. "I feel that our responsibility as educators is to help students understand how to use AI appropriately, ethically, and effectively - both in school and as they prepare for the workforce and the future," Stubits said. "AI is not going away, so education must help students develop the skills to use it wisely while continuing to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and responsible decision-making."
Wilson Area School District Superintendent Harrison Bailey III said the district has provided additional professional development with guidance on educating students how and when to use AI, but is not introducing new policies. "Teachers are encouraged to use it as a supportive tool and to ensure they are familiar with the technology," Bailey said.
For educators looking to build practical skills in this area, AI for Teachers Courses offer structured training on classroom applications. Districts and individual teachers tracking policy developments can also follow AI for Education coverage for ongoing updates on how schools are adapting.
Why this matters for educators
The Lehigh Valley response shows a clear split: some districts are treating AI as a strategic priority with dedicated funding and partnerships, while others are relying on existing acceptable-use policies. For teachers and administrators, the practical question is whether their own professional development keeps pace with what students can already do. A district that doesn't train staff on AI verification and ethical boundaries leaves both teachers and students exposed to misuse.
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