AI Policy Framework for School Boards

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future issue. It’s already shaping classrooms, workplaces, and public institutions. For local school boards, the challenge isn’t whether AI will impact education, but how to govern its use responsibly while protecting students, supporting educators, and maintaining public trust.

That’s why the 1776 Project Foundation is excited to share our AI Policy Framework for Local School Boards, a clear, practical resource designed to help board members lead with confidence in an era of rapid technological change.

School board members are increasingly being asked to approve AI tools, respond to parent concerns, and address academic integrity, data privacy, and student safety—often without clear guidance or guardrails. At the same time, students must be prepared to understand and engage with AI as it becomes embedded across industries and the workforce.

This framework was developed to help boards balance AI usage and ensure that any AI adoption strengthens core education priorities instead of weakening them.

At the heart of this framework is a simple principle: human learning comes first.

• Early grades (PreK–5) prioritize foundational skills with a low- or no-technology approach in core subjects, protecting critical developmental stages.
• Middle grades (5–8) introduce AI literacy, ethics, and civic implications, all without relying on AI tools in core instruction.
• High school (9–12) supports responsible, vetted AI use in non-core coursework, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and career and technical education.

Our phased approach will ensure that students build strong academic foundations before engaging with advanced technologies.

Strong governance also requires clear safeguards. This framework emphasizes:

• Robust protections for student data, privacy, and cybersecurity
• Compliance with federal laws such as FERPA, COPPA, and PPRA
• Transparent vetting of AI tools and vendors
• Meaningful parent and community engagement, including advance notice, opt-out options, and public reporting