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009: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Purpose

This guideline establishes a framework for appropriate and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) within Geneva City School District. As a forward-thinking district, we recognize AI’s potential to enhance teaching, learning, and operations, while affirming our commitment to student safety, privacy, and academic integrity.

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that are taught to automate tasks normally requiring human intelligence. "Generative AI" refers to tools, such as Bing Chat, ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney, and DALL-E, that can produce new content, such as text, images, or music, based on patterns they've learned from their training data.1 This is made possible through "machine learning," a subset of AI where computers learn from data without being explicitly programmed for a specific task. Think of it as teaching a computer to be creative based on examples it has seen. While generative AI tools show great promise and often make useful suggestions, they are designed to predict what is right, which isn't always right. As a result, their output can be inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete.

Scope

This guidance applies to all students, teachers, staff, administrators, and third parties who develop, implement, or interact with AI technologies used in Geneva City Schools’ education system. It covers all AI systems used for education, administration, and operations, including, but not limited to, generative AI models, intelligent tutoring systems, conversational agents, automation software, and analytics tools. This guidance complements existing policies on technology use, data protection, academic integrity, and student support.

Guiding Principles

 

  • Equity and Access: AI tools must support inclusive learning and be accessible to all students, regardless of background or ability. 
  • Privacy and Data Protection: Student data must be safeguarded, and AI tools must comply with all district, state, and federal privacy regulations. Staff and students are prohibited from entering confidential or personally identifiable information into any AI tools, even those with approved data privacy agreements. 
  • Human Oversight: AI should assist, not replace teachers and staff. Educators retain responsibility for decisions and instructional direction. 
  • Transparency and Trust: The purpose, function, and limitations of AI tools should be clearly communicated to staff, students, and families. 
  • Bias and Fairness: AI systems should be regularly evaluated to minimize bias and ensure they promote fairness and equity for all. 
  • Accountability: All staff are responsible for the ethical and informed use of AI tools.

Responsible Uses of AI

Geneva City School District recognizes that responsible uses of AI will vary depending on the context, such as a classroom activity or assignment. Appropriate AI use should be aligned with the specific objectives and parameters defined for each activity. The district will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding data security and privacy, making sure that students' personal information is protected. 

  • Student Learning: Students can use AI as a tool to support their learning by getting help with brainstorming ideas, practicing skills, and exploring new topics. AI can assist them in organizing information, improving writing, and receiving instant feedback to better understand concepts. When used responsibly, AI encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping students become confident and independent learners.
  • Teacher Support: AI can be used to support teachers by reducing routine tasks, providing data-informed insights, and enhancing instructional planning. Responsible use ensures that AI tools empower educators—rather than replace them—by saving time, improving access to resources, and helping meet diverse student needs. 
  • School Management & Operations: AI can improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance decision-making through data analysis.

Prohibited Use of AI Tools

As we work to realize the benefits of AI in education, we also recognize that risks must be addressed. 

  • Student Learning: Students should not use AI to cheat on assignments, tests, or projects, nor should they submit AI-generated work without giving proper credit. They must avoid using AI tools to create or spread misinformation or harmful content. It’s important that students protect their own and others’ privacy by not sharing personal information irresponsibly with AI. Additionally, AI should never be used to disrupt learning or violate school rules.
  • Teacher Support: AI must not be used to replace teachers’ professional judgment or to automate decisions that require human understanding and empathy. It is prohibited to use AI tools that unfairly evaluate, rank, or discipline educators without transparent criteria and human review. AI should never be used in ways that undermine teacher autonomy, privacy, or professional integrity.
  • School Management & Operations: AI must not be used in ways that compromise student or staff privacy, promote bias or discrimination, or make high-stakes decisions—such as hiring, discipline, or placement—without human oversight. AI tools should never replace professional judgment in matters that impact individuals' rights, access, or well-being. The use of AI for surveillance or data collection without consent is strictly prohibited. 

Procurement & Review Process

  • We will implement reasonable security measures to secure AI technologies against unauthorized access and misuse. 
  • All AI systems deployed within the district will be evaluated for compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to data protection, privacy, and students’ online safety. 
    • This does not apply to district-approved programs that have embedded AI capabilities but are not, by themselves, AI tools. For example, Canva is a graphic design tool that has an embedded “Canva AI” function. 
  • The Office of Information Technology will maintain a list of approved AI programs. Following the vendor request process, staff can request the use of a new program. 

Professional Development

Ongoing professional development will be offered to support AI implementation. 

Monitoring and Evaluation

This guidance will be reviewed annually, or sooner, to ensure it continues to meet the district’s needs and complies with changes in laws, regulations, and technology. We welcome feedback on this guidance and its effectiveness as AI usage evolves.

Contact:
Nicole Campbell, Director of Technology & Innovation
Heather Swanson, Director of Communication

1OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 25 Version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com