POLICY 6250: RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Current: July 13, 2026

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear and actionable guidelines for the responsible, ethical, and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the school district. This policy seeks to support and enhance teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency while upholding academic integrity, protecting privacy, and ensuring equitable access for all students and staff.

Artificial intelligence (AI) language models can assist with various tasks from teaching and learning, to writing support, to data analysis. School district staff who have access to AI tools should understand underlying behaviors and the potential benefits and limitations associated with use.

The school district recognizes that the use of AI can, when used appropriately, enhance student learning by improving the efficiency of education, providing new and creative ways to support learning, and encourage independent research, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The school district also recognizes the limitations and potential for misuse of AI.

The school district authorizes staff members to utilize and permit students to utilize ethical and legal use of AI as a supplemental tool to support and expand on classroom instruction, facilitate personalized learning opportunities, and increase educational and learning opportunities, in accordance with the terms of this policy.

The school district authorizes staff to utilize AI as a tool in fulfilling their work responsibilities as consistent with federal and state law and school district policies.

II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The school district supports use of AI in ways that uphold academic integrity and foster student critical thinking and original work.
The school district supports AI use as an augmentative tool rather than as an autonomous decision-maker. The school district recognizes that human intelligence and H-AI-H protocols should drive the educational process, with AI supporting education and humans remaining accountable for decisions and outcomes
The school district supports use of AI to enhance administrative operations and efficiency.
Student and staff use of AI shall be transparent and responsible. Appropriate attribution (giving proper credit to the original creator) shall be provided.
The superintendent or designee will implement and regularly review privacy controls and safety features to protect student, staff, and school district data associated with approved use of AI.
The school district supports and promotes fair access to approved AI tools and will strive to ensure equitable access for all students and staff.
The school district will provide ongoing training and guidance to mitigate the potential for bias and misinformation and will hold students and staff accountable for the consequences of AI use.
This policy applies to all AI use by students and staff regardless of whether the use occurs on school district property, at school district events and activities, or off campus when a nexus to the school district’s educational environment exists. Student AI use must be consistent with school district policies on use of cell phones, personal electronic devices, wearable AI devices, and the internet.
The school district recognizes that a student’s age may be a key consideration in determining appropriate AI use. For this reason, the school district establishes the following guidelines:
1. Kindergarten through Grade 4: only highly restricted, teacher-mediated AI interactions are permitted. The focus is upon conceptual understanding of AI.
2. Grades 5 through 7: structured introduction to AI tools together with appropriate guardrails. Critical thinking about AI outputs and digital citizenship will be addressed.
3. Grades 8 through 12: centers upon broader AI access with accountability expectations; preparation of students for AI-integrated postsecondary and workforce environments; advanced AI literacy, including an understanding of how AI models work.

III. DEFINITIONS

Definitions of key terms—including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative Artificial Intelligence, closed and publicly available AI tools, confidential data, personally identifiable information (PII), and school district-approved AI tools—shall be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure alignment with current technology, legal standards, and school district practices. The school district will provide accessible explanations and examples to support understanding among all stakeholders.

Artificial intelligence in a school district is a category of computer-based systems that analyze data and recognize patterns to support teaching, learning, and administrative operations, for the purpose of assisting human decision-making, within educational and legal constraints, and excluding the replacement of professional judgment or human accountability.

A. Agentic AI: Agentic AI involves systems capable of undertaking multistep actions autonomously, such as web browsing, code execution, interaction with other software, and rendering sequential decisions, without human intervention at each step.
AI Tool Types
1. Student-Facing AI: Used by or with students for instruction, where student information may be entered.
2. Confidential AI Used for non-instructional purposes, processing confidential data to generate new content or recommendations.
3. Operational AI: Used for generating content based on non-confidential data.
Closed AI Tools: Closed AI tools are private and can be accessed by school district staff only. Sharing data in a Closed AI Tool is more secure than when using a Publicly Available AI Tool, though information leaks may still occur.
Confidential Data/Information: Information that the school district is prohibited by law, policy, or contract from disclosing or that the school district may disclose only in limited circumstances. Confidential data includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information (PII) about students and employees, student and staff medical information, student education records, and information about any student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
Deep Fake: Any video recording, motion-picture film, sound recording, electronic image, or photograph, or any technological representation of speech or conduct substantially derivative thereof:
1. that is so realistic that a reasonable person would believe it depicts speech or conduct of an individual who did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct; and
2. the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, rather than the ability of another individual to physically or verbally impersonate such individual.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): Computer-based systems that generate content—such as text, images, audio, or data analysis—in response to prompts. Generative AI includes large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, as well as tools that generate audio, images, or video.
Generative AI Chatbots: A chatbot with generative AI capabilities that uses large language models (LLMs) and machine learning to simulate natural, human-like conversations and generate content, code, or images in real time. Examples include ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Meta AI, Microsoft Copilot. It is possible that AI programs, including Generative AI Chatbots, may “hallucinate” (create information that is not true, misleading, or nonsensical).
Human-AI-Human Model (H-AI-H): The H-AI-H model establishes a decision-making framework in K-12 education requiring human judgement at the initiation and human accountability at the conclusion of AI-assisted processes. The model ensures AI serves as an augmentative tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either directly or indirectly through linkages with other information. PII includes, but is not limited to:
1. The student's name;
2. The name of the student's parent or other family members;
3. The address of the student or student's family;
4. A personal identifier, such as the student's social security number, student number, or biometric record;
5. Other indirect identifiers, such as the student's date of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name;
6. Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or
7. Information requested by a person who the educational agency or institution reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.
Publicly Available AI Tools: Publicly available AI tools are generally accessible for public use and the public can access the information that the tools provide.
School District-Approved AI Tool: Any AI platform or application that has been reviewed and authorized by the school district’s AI Committee. A school district teacher or staff member may request that an AI platform or application be reviewed and authorized.
Synthetic Media: Digital content in a media format (including text, images, video, and audio) created in part or wholly through use of AI.
Voice Cloning: The use of AI to create a digital replica of another person’s voice through the use of recorded audio samples.

IV. EQUITABLE ACCESS TO AI TECHNOLOGY

The school district is committed to ensuring that all students and staff have fair and equitable access to AI technology and related resources. To fulfill this commitment, the school district will:

Provision of Resources: Provide necessary devices, internet connectivity, and assistive technologies to students and staff who need them. School district administration will conduct regular reviews to ensure resources remain sufficient and accessible.
Assessment and Barrier Reduction: Regularly assess and address barriers to access, including those related to socioeconomic status, disability, language, and geographic location. The school district will implement strategies to eliminate identified barriers.
Training: Provide ongoing training for staff and students covering technical skills and ethical considerations, including recognizing and mitigating bias in AI systems and outputs, privacy, and responsible and appropriate use of school district-approved AI.
District AI Community Engagement: Engage students, families, and community members in ongoing evaluation of equitable access and the effectiveness of AI implementation.
Corrective Action: To ensure equitable access to AI technology, the school district will regularly evaluate whether students and staff have fair and meaningful opportunities to use approved AI tools for learning and work. If disparities in access, participation, or outcomes are identified—such as those related to socioeconomic status, disability, language, or infrastructure—the school district will take timely corrective action. Corrective actions may include reallocating resources, providing targeted training or supports, adjusting implementation practices, or updating policies and procedures.
Policy Review and Revision: Review and update this policy and its implementation yearly or as needed to adapt to evolving technologies, community needs, and feedback from stakeholders.

V. CURRICULUM INTEGRATION AND AI LITERACY

The superintendent or designee will work with school district’s AI Committee and staff to establish instructional protocols and criteria consistent with the H-AI-H model. (See AR 6250)
Any use of AI in the classroom or on class assignments must align with the teachers’ instructions and use expectations. Teachers will provide direction when students are authorized to use AI in an assignment. Teachers will direct student use of AI, ensuring that it aligns with the school district guidelines, procedures and policies, including the school district’s approved AI tools.
Use of AI must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other federal and state laws.
Students will indicate AI use on assignments as required by the teacher and the assignment.

VI. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) COMMITTEE

The superintendent or designee shall appoint an AI Committee—including teachers, staff, and students, to guide school district AI objectives. The committee will develop, implement, and annually review procedures for AI use, ensuring alignment with school district policies, classroom requirements, and legal standards. The committee will solicit stakeholder feedback and recommend updates to procedures and approved AI tools as technologies and needs change.

Committee Appointment and Structure: The school board directs the superintendent or designee to appoint teachers, school staff, and students who have relevant experience regarding AI to a committee to guide the school district’s AI objectives. The superintendent or designee will determine the size, structure, and term for the AI Committee.
AI Use Plan: The AI Committee shall develop and recommend to the school board for its approval a school district AI Use Plan to establish district-wide direction and a road map for AI use that aligns with the school district’s mission, strategic plan, and financial and other resources. The AI Use Plan should respond to these conditions, among others
School District AI Procedures: The superintendent directs the AI Committee to create a district AI procedural manual that is a part of the district AI Use Plan and provides guidance on all aspects of the district’s implementation of AI across the school district. (See AR 625)
District AI Coordinator: The superintendent will designate at least one school district AI Coordinator with school board approval to monitor advancements, risks, and best practices in the field of AI. The AI Coordinator will also serve as a professional resource and advisor for the school district on these topics. The AI Coordinator may consult with experts or others outside the school district, but may share critical or confidential data only under appropriate confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements. (See AR 6250).

VII. STUDENT USE GUIDELINES

Students may use school district-approved AI tools for educational purposes only as directed by teachers and in compliance with assignment guidelines. All AI-generated content must be verified and properly cited. Students are prohibited from inputting personal, confidential, or sensitive information into AI tools, whether such information is about themselves or others. The AI Committee will provide regular training on safe, ethical, and effective AI use, and will review and update guidelines and procedures annually. Violations will be addressed according to the Student Discipline Policy, with corrective action and support provided as needed.

VIII. STAFF USE GUIDELINES

Staff may use school district-approved AI tools to enhance educational experiences, provided all use complies with applicable laws and school district policies. Staff must not input confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information into AI tools. Staff are responsible for guiding and supervising student use, setting clear expectations, and ensuring proper attribution. The school district will provide ongoing training and support and will review staff guidelines regularly. Violations may result in disciplinary action as outlined in school district policy.

IX. DATA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

All data use involving AI must comply with applicable state and federal laws, school district regulations, and acceptable use policies. The school district will train staff and students on data stewardship, privacy, and legal compliance, and will update procedures as laws and technologies evolve. Data privacy safeguards will be reviewed annually, and any changes to AI products or services will be carefully evaluated for impact on data security.

All data use must comply with all state and federal laws and school district regulations and requirements, including the school district's acceptable use and data policies. All school district users must ensure that all AI interactions comply with state and federal laws, especially regarding student data under FERPA, IDEA, CIPA, and COPPA.

Although AI products may claim to have some privacy safeguards in place, users should assume that all consumer AI products make data publicly available unless otherwise indicated pursuant to explicit official agreement with the school district.

X. AI VENDOR AGREEMENTS AND LICENSING

AI technologies procured by the school district must include clear intellectual property rights provisions. Vendors must provide bias testing disclosure, documentation, and incident reporting procedures.
School district administration and the AI Committee shall work with legal counsel to develop an AI technologies vendor evaluation, procurement, and licensing process. (See AR 6250)

XI. AI AND RECORDS RETENTION

A document created, received, or maintained through an AI system may constitute a school district record.
AI-generated or AI-assisted data shall be treated as a school district record when the data:
1. documents a school district action, policy, or operation; or
2. is relied upon when making an educational, administrative, or financial decision;
Records described in Paragraph B. above shall be retained pursuant to the school district’s Records Retention schedule.

XII. REPORTING AI-RELATED CONCERNS, MISUSE, AND INCIDENTS

Staff and students should contact the building principal or the principal’s designee if concerns regarding safe and effective use of AI arise or if they suspect AI misuse that violates school district policies, procedures, or applicable laws.
The AI Committee will develop an AI structured incident response plan that includes response protocols for AI-generated CSAM or intimate imagery, data breach through use of an AI tool, AI-facilitated cheating at scale, deep fakes, student welfare concerns, and related matters. The AI structured incident response plan will also establish:
1. notification protocols that include parents, law enforcement, and state or federal agencies as appropriate;
2. clear escalation paths that identify the school district staff responsible for each escalation level;
3. procedures for preserving incident documentation and evidence;
4. a post-incident review process.

XIII. TRAINING OF SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS

The school district will train all school district staff, teachers, and students on the requirements of this policy, AI procedures and plans, and other school district policies regarding data management and privacy, acceptable uses of AI, and AI prohibitions.

XIV. NOTICE

The school district will inform students, parents, and guardians about AI use in the school district, including any significant changes to the AI Use Plan.

XV. REVIEW

The school district’s administration will regularly review use of AI and recommend safety, privacy, student and staff needs, and other relevant updates to the school board.

The AI Committee and the superintendent or designee, with input from students and appropriate staff, shall regularly review and update procedures to enhance the safety and security of students using AI and to help ensure that the school district adapts to changing technologies and circumstances.

Legal References:

Minn. Stat. § 13.02 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 13.03 (Access to Government Data)
Minn. Stat. § 13.05 (Duties of Responsible Authority)
Minn. Stat. § 13.32 (Educational Data)
Minn. Stat. § 604.32 (Cause of Action for Nonconsensual Dissemination of a Deep Fake Depicting Intimate Parts or Sexual Acts)
Minn. Stat. § 609.771 (Use of Deep Fake Technology to Influence Election)
Minn. Stat. § 617.262 (Nonconsensual Dissemination of a Deep Fake Depicting Intimate Parts or Sexual Acts)
15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6506 (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2523 (Electronic Communications Privacy Act)
18 U.S.C. §§ 2701-2713 (Stored Communications Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1232g (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
20 U.S.C. § 1232h (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
20 U.S.C. §§ 1400-1419 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. (Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act)
42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act)
34 C.F.R. Part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Adopted: July 13, 2026

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section