Palm Beach County Schools Adopt AI Use Policy
The Palm Beach County School District approved a formal policy on artificial intelligence use on Wednesday, April 15. The policy takes effect immediately and sets clear rules for how students, teachers and staff can use AI tools in schools.
Students cannot use AI on state or federal standardized assessments, including AP and IB exams and industry certification tests, unless the district has documented a specific exception. Teachers can prohibit or limit AI use on any assignment.
The policy also bans the creation and distribution of deepfakes - synthetic images, audio or video that misrepresent what someone said or did. The district warns that such conduct may result in criminal charges under Florida law.
Academic Penalties and Disciplinary Consequences
Students who violate the AI policy face academic penalties and disciplinary action under the student code of conduct. A zero grade on an assignment and parental notification are possible consequences for academic dishonesty violations. Repeat violations can lead to suspension.
The district applies existing rules for academic honesty to AI misuse. "The same rules for academic honesty still apply," the district said in its policy presentation.
What Teachers and Staff Must Do
Teachers and staff must use only AI tools approved by the district's Technology Clearinghouse Committee. They cannot rely solely on AI to make decisions that significantly affect students, such as determining report card grades, graduation eligibility or disciplinary actions.
All district employees must complete mandatory training that includes acknowledging proper use of district technology. Students will receive age-appropriate training annually on responsible AI use.
Staff members cannot enter confidential or personally identifiable information into unauthorized AI tools. Sharing student or staff information through AI-generated content is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by law or district policy.
When Students Use AI for Schoolwork
If students use AI for assignments, they must acknowledge that use as their teacher directs. This includes attributing AI-generated text, images and multimedia. AI-generated records are not considered official documents because they may contain errors.
Students must treat AI-generated material to the same standards of academic integrity as any other material they submit for classwork or extracurricular activities.
Growing Trend Across States
At least 28 states had adopted some type of AI policy for schools by April 2025, according to the Education Commission of the States, a nonprofit that tracks education policy.
Palm Beach County began drafting its policy last year and presented it to the school board in November, when relatively few districts nationally had formal AI guidelines in place.
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