At a recent meeting of the East Penn School District Directors, the use of artificial intelligence in the district sparked a lengthy discussion.

During her update to the board, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristin Campbell reminded directors the board policy 815.1 was passed last September regarding the use of generative AI in education.

Campbell shared over the past year the technology department and instructional coaches made significant steps to support the use of AI for teachers and students.

Director of Technology Michael Billman and K-12 Technology Coach Dylan Peters presented their plan for the use of generative AI in the district.

According to the World Economic Forum in 2025, “Generative AI is expected to disrupt nearly every industry in how we acquire knowledge.”

Peters walked the board through the past few years of approaching the use of AI in the district.

Students and teachers have been currently utilizing Canva AI and schoolAI. Gemini is available to school leaders and secondary education staff.

Peters and Billman prepared a student video to educate students on what AI is and how to use it responsibly. A traffic light model included a green light to encourage students to use AI, a yellow light allowed students to use it and a red light informed students they are not permitted to use AI.

Peters insisted the use of AI is at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

While teachers currently have access to Gemini, it is not readily available to students. However, the district is exploring students’ use of it in the future.

Billman expressed support for Gemini and its AI literacy focus.

Board members appreciated the work in preparing the students to be aware and making use of AI relevant to learning.

Board members expressed hope AI can be used to help educators recognize gaps in student learning and how the tools can be used to develop skills for students.

Director Shonta Ford questioned the bias specific to Canva AI. She shared she has used the tool in business features and has to ask specifically for multicultural settings. If she does not, AI defaults to Caucasian figures.

“Will people be conscious enough to recognize that some could be left out?” Ford inquired.

Peters and Billman said they are mindful of this and the bias is less with the use of Gemini.

Billman said students need to become AI literate, which involves being an innovative creator and critical thinker.

Peters explained students in grades seven through 12 watched the district video on AI independently, while elementary teachers viewed the video as a class. Peters participated in classroom discussions with the elementary students.

While the video was complex for students in kindergarten and first grade, teachers showed the students how they are using AI in the classroom. For example, these children could ask George Washington questions and AI George Washington would engage in answering their questions. The use of AI is done with teacher guidance at the elementary level.

Director Dr. William Whitney asked if there is a place for teachers to share best practices using AI in their classrooms.

Peters noted there is not a “repository for teachers at this time” adding teachers are discussing practical examples.

Whitney also expressed the ethical use of AI such as the impact on a student’s ability to think critically as well as potential bias.

“There are psychological issues that are very real. I trust you to continue to be mindful of important and complex ethical issues,” Whitney said.

“Keeping the human element is part of the process,” Billman responded.

In other business, Campbell took a moment to recognize two upcoming retirements. Janelle Hess will retire at the end of the year, serving 36 years as Spanish teacher at Emmaus High School.

“The World Languages Department will not be the same without her,” Campbell acknowledged.

Campbell also expressed appreciation for food service worker Elaine Kneller who served nine years with the school district.