City School Board OKs Policies On AI, School Visitors

As the 2024-25 school year quickly approaches, the Greeneville Board of Education adopted policies Tuesday related to school visitor conduct and the use of artificial intelligence.

The new Code of Conduct for school visitors applies to parents, community members, and any other visitors to school property or during school programs/activities.

The 15 new rules say visitors must not: act in a threatening manner; injure or threaten others; damage school property or personal property of others; disrupt classes or activities in any way; communicate in an abusive, harassing, or threatening manner; audio or video record where there is an expectation of privacy; disrupt school transportation or confront transportation staff; distribute or wear materials that are vulgar, obscene, advocate illegal action, promote drugs, or are disruptive; harass or discriminate against others based on protected class like race, color, religion, etc.; enter restricted areas; fail to promptly leave school property upon being directed to do so by school administration or law enforcement; possess, consume, sell, distribute, or exchange alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs; possess or use firearms or dangerous weapons; gamble or encourage others to gamble; and violate any applicable federal or state statute, local ordinance, or board policy.

The new list of rules triples the number in the previous list, which did not mention such specific topics as: audio or video recording; disruption to transportation; prohibited clothing; protected classes; restricted areas; refusing to leave property; possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; possession of weapons, and gambling.

The policy requires the new code of conduct to be posted at each school entrance and on the district’s and schools’ websites with a phone number to call for questions.

The policy also requires a printed copy of the code of conduct to be provided annually to parents and guardians, who must sign a statement acknowledging they have read and understood the document.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programs is a new policy for an era in which school districts determine how to address the new technology.

Director of Schools Steve Starnes told the board Greeneville City Schools is not taking the approach of a ban on AI. Instead, GCS is addressing responsible and ethical use for this “new wave of the future,” Starnes said.

The policy calls for staff training on AI, outlines rules for staff use, and requires students to be instructed on responsibilities, including:

Effective use of generative AI;When it is appropriate to use AI on assignments;How to determine whether AI responses are accurate; andThe difference between cheating and seeking support.

Starnes thanked new GCS administrators Jason Horne and Richard Tipton, assistant directors of schools, and Chuck Broyles, chief technology officer, for collectively working on the new policy.

Another notable policy revision related to promotion and retention of students under new state law for third and fourth grades.

The biggest change affects students promoted to fourth grade who do not demonstrate adequate growth on the fourth grade English/Lanuage Arts (ELA) portion of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test.

“The student’s principal shall convene a conference consisting of the following parties: the student’s parent(s)/legal guardian, the student’s ELA teacher, and the student’s principal. The conference shall review the student’s fourth grade ELA performance to determine if the student should be promoted to fifth grade. At the conclusion of the conference, a majority of the parties shall agree to one of the following: The student will be promoted to fifth grade and be assigned a tutor for the entirety of the student’s fifth-grade year; or the student will be retained in fourth grade. A student shall not be retained more than once in fourth grade,” the policy says.

The board also revised the policy on library materials stating that the school board will review all complaints related to removal of materials.

These and other minor policy revisions were approved on first and final reading due the timing of when they take effect or the need to have them in place before school starts, Starnes explained.

One policy was approved on first reading only, stating schools will be closed for students on days when both primary and general elections are held.

For a full list of the board’s policies, visit www.tsba.net/greeneville-city-board-of-education-policy-manual .