Rutherford Co. School Board Advances AI Policy

The Rutherford County Board of Education approved a districtwide policy governing artificial intelligence use, adopted a midyear budget amendment and declared a district property surplus during its Feb. 3 meeting, actions officials said will guide technology integration and long-term facilities planning.

Board members voted to adopt policy number 3221 addressing generative artificial intelligence across instructional and operational settings. Administrators described the measure as a comprehensive framework covering academic integrity, cybersecurity, data protection, transparency with families, and oversight of approved platforms. Officials emphasized the policy establishes guardrails and accountability rather than signaling unrestrained adoption of emerging technology.

District leaders outlined a phased implementation plan centered first on professional development. Instructional technology facilitators will work with educators at individual schools, and districtwide sessions are planned during upcoming professional development days. Student interaction with AI tools is expected to expand gradually, beginning with awareness-level exposure in early grades, supervised literacy-focused use in middle school and more advanced application in high school settings.

Administrators said misuse of artificial intelligence would be addressed under existing academic integrity and conduct frameworks rather than through a separate disciplinary structure, with enforcement primarily handled at classroom or school administrative levels.

In financial matters, the board approved the fifth budget amendment of the fiscal year, reflecting adjustments tied to state public school funding, federal instructional grants and other revenue allocations. A review of expenditures showed overall spending levels generally tracking expectations relative to the portion of the fiscal year completed, according to district reporting presented to the board.

Facilities discussions also moved forward, with board members approving a resolution declaring the Rutherford Opportunity Center property no longer necessary for school purposes. Officials said the designation is a procedural step under state statute that allows exploration of possible future uses, including potential sale, lease or intergovernmental arrangements, but does not obligate the board to dispose of the property. The law requires the site first be offered to county commissioners before other options are considered.

The board additionally authorized construction contract steps related to athletic training facilities funded through a state grant allocation. Administrators said the project is designed to proceed within existing appropriated funding and does not require additional local or federal spending commitments.

Committee reports indicated broader facilities planning remains underway, including analysis of enrollment projections and review of long-range infrastructure models. District leaders expect recommendations to be presented later this spring as the planning process continues.

Officials also noted operational impacts from recent winter weather, including the use of remote learning days allowed under state law and efforts to identify potential makeup days after closures. Transportation staff conducted repeated road checks across the county, and administrators said schools were preparing to resume normal operations following improved conditions.

Further actions tied to property decisions, technology rollout, and facilities planning are expected to return to the board for consideration in the coming months. The board meeting packet and policy documents are not posted on the school board's website for public inspection. WCAB News filed a public records request; it remains pending.