Flossmoor School District 161 is preparing to implement a districtwide artificial intelligence plan aimed at guiding the responsible use of AI in classrooms and administrative settings beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
The Board of Education reviewed the proposed Artificial Intelligence Plan during its May 11 meeting as part of an informational report presented by Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith and Director of Learning and Instruction Amabel Crawford. According to district documents, Illinois school districts are required to have an AI plan in place by July 1, 2026.
The proposed framework outlines expectations for both students and staff while emphasizing academic integrity, data privacy and ethical use of AI technology. District officials said AI should be used to support learning rather than replace critical thinking or original student work.
Under the plan, teachers would be expected to clearly communicate when AI use is permitted on assignments, while students would be required to disclose how AI tools were used in their work. The proposal also states that AI-generated work submitted as original student work without disclosure would constitute academic dishonesty.
The district additionally plans to limit AI use to platforms approved by the technology department and prohibit staff or students from entering personally identifiable student information into AI systems.
During the board discussion, Board President David Linnear asked whether there would be opportunities for community input regarding AI implementation.
“Oh, I think through that strategic plan process, there’s a perfect opportunity for that,” Smith said. “I would encourage it for parents to be involved in that conversation.”
Smith said parents could offer perspectives both as professionals working in industries impacted by AI and as caregivers raising children growing up in a digital environment.
Board member Michael Rousse II noted that parents have already attended Learning and Instruction Committee meetings and provided input on district technology policies.
Board member Theartris Childress III said discussions surrounding the AI plan have attempted to examine the issue from multiple perspectives.
“I think the quality of the discussion was really kind of a 360 view around AI,” Childress said. “The plan moving forward will address a number of those concerns, so that we can get everybody on the same page.”
The implementation plan also calls for the creation of an Instructional Technology Advisory Committee composed of teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, technology staff and district leadership. The committee would meet throughout the summer to review policies, recommend professional development opportunities and develop student guidance materials for ethical AI use.
District officials said technology integration and AI policies will also become part of the district’s upcoming strategic plan refresh process.
