Wake County Schools Drafts AI Policy to Equip Students and Staff for the Future
Wake County schools plan an AI policy to guide use by students 13+ with permission, balancing skill-building and privacy. Concerns remain on ethics and teaching impact.
Wake Schools Drafting AI Policy for Students and Staff
Wake County Public Schools are preparing a policy to guide the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools among students and staff. The goal is to equip both groups with practical AI skills while setting clear boundaries on when and how these technologies should be used.
The proposed policy would restrict AI tool usage to students aged 13 and older, requiring their permission before access. The district is considering Google Gemini specifically, as it allows use without storing or reusing the data input by users, addressing privacy concerns.
Balancing Opportunity and Concern
Board Vice Chairman Tyler Swanson emphasized the necessity of adapting to AI’s presence. “If we push back on this... we are not setting students up to be productive members of society,” he said, highlighting the importance of meeting students where they are.
Meanwhile, some board members expressed caution. Concerns were raised about the ethical implications, potential job impacts, and long-term effects on teaching and learning. Board Member Sam Hershey noted the need for ongoing conversations to address these challenges while ensuring students develop critical technological skills.
Current and Future AI Use in Schools
Wake County schools have already implemented limited AI use in middle and high schools. The new policy aims to formalize these practices and provide a clear framework as technology continues to evolve.
Superintendent Robert Taylor pointed out that the policy will require updates over time to keep pace with advancing AI capabilities, but stressed the importance of having a starting point now.
- No existing AI-specific policy currently governs the Wake school system.
- Other districts vary in their approach—some prohibit AI tools like ChatGPT, while others, such as Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Harnett County Schools, encourage their use.
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