Orange County Schools Board to Vote on Updated AI Policy
Orange County Public Schools will discuss a revised artificial intelligence policy for students at a board workshop Tuesday, with the goal of implementing guidelines before the next school year begins. More than 5,800 parents responded to a district survey on AI use in classrooms, revealing sharp divisions over whether students should have access to the technology.
The updated policy prohibits entering student data into AI programs, bans deepfakes and copyright infringement, and restricts emotional support applications. These changes came directly from parent feedback during earlier workshops.
Parents Split on Classroom AI
Some parents oppose AI in schools entirely. "It's just lazy, to use AI in schools with these kids nowadays, it's just lazy," said parent Falice McLeod, who worries the technology undermines critical thinking and reading comprehension.
McLeod pointed to students using AI to answer test questions or having the technology read books aloud, saying this prevents actual learning. "They just hear it, but they're not comprehending," she said.
Other parents view AI differently. "I think if it makes things better, faster, quicker for teachers and easier for them, why not use it?" said Christian Negron, who argues that avoiding AI instruction could actually disadvantage students.
Negron compared the debate to coding skills. "It's just the direction we're going. To not teach them, we might even be kind of holding them back," he said.
Board Emphasizes Safeguards
Board Member Angie Gallo said during a March workshop that while AI will shape the future workforce, guardrails are necessary. Students need critical thinking skills to use AI effectively, she said, and must be able to evaluate the information it generates.
"There are some harms with AI with students that we have to discuss and we have to address and we have to put guardrails in," Gallo said.
The survey also revealed parent concerns that the district might use AI to reduce staff positions.
The board workshop is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in Orange County.
For school leaders developing AI policies, the AI Learning Path for School Principals provides guidance on implementation and governance.
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