News Summary
The Leon County School Board has enacted a policy regulating the use of artificial intelligence in educational settings. This policy aims to balance the integration of AI technology with the need for academic integrity and student data protection. While teachers can utilize AI tools for lesson planning, students will have limited access to AI chatbots. The policy also includes guidelines to prevent academic dishonesty, ensuring that AI serves as a supportive tool in the learning process.
Leon County, FL — On June 17, 2025, the Leon County School Board approved a new artificial intelligence policy aimed at regulating the use of AI in educational settings for both students and faculty. This decision responds to the increasing integration of AI technology into the learning environment, ensuring that students can benefit from these advancements while maintaining academic integrity and protecting their personal data.
Prior to this new policy, students had no access to AI chatbots within the school district’s networks or devices, although teachers were permitted to utilize AI tools for lesson planning purposes. The recently approved policy now allows district staff to explore various AI software options and prepare comprehensive training for teachers before the 2025-26 school year begins.
In conjunction with the AI policy, the school board also enacted a companion academic honesty policy. This policy aims to prevent students from misusing AI technology, specifically prohibiting them from using AI to “create content and then submit the content as one’s own.” Violators of this policy will face serious consequences, including the possibility of expulsion from the district.
Restrictive Guidelines on AI Usage
To ensure student safety and compliance, the usage of AI in the district will be confined to “closed systems.” This means that any AI software employed within the educational framework will not retain memories or learn from the material uploaded by users, addressing widespread concerns regarding student data protection. Mainstream chatbots, like ChatGPT, are explicitly excluded from this allowance due to their capacity to save information, raising significant privacy issues.
AI tools will only be permitted in classroom settings with explicit authorization from a teacher, and they cannot be employed as the primary method for completing school assignments. This limitation is designed to foster a genuine learning environment, promoting the idea that AI should serve as an aid rather than a replacement for students’ individual creativity and critical thinking skills.
Background and Development of the Policy
The discussion surrounding the necessity for an AI policy began on February 3, 2025, during a board retreat. Board member Darryl Jones initiated the conversation by voicing concerns regarding the potential for plagiarism, dissemination of false information, student data protection issues, and the overall challenges posed by navigating the unknowns of AI technology. These discussions revealed that clarity and structure were needed to guide both staff and students in the ethical use of AI in education.
The foundation of the new AI policy is rooted in the belief that technology can be a beneficial tool when used appropriately. While the policy encourages the incorporation of AI, it also establishes firm boundaries to ensure that the integrity of the educational process is upheld.
Next Steps in Implementation
Following its approval, the Leon County School Board plans to promote the new policy to the public to ensure awareness and understanding of the regulations among students, staff, and families. Final approvals will be sought to facilitate full implementation in the coming academic year.
The overarching goal of this AI policy is to provide a clear framework for how both students and teachers can effectively and ethically integrate artificial intelligence into their educational practices, equipping them with the necessary tools for success in a technology-driven future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tallahassee City Commission Holds Key Meeting on Policies
Marva Johnson Confirmed as President of Florida A&M University
Florida Lawmakers Approve $115.1 Billion Budget
Florida Schools Implement Cell Phone Use Restrictions
Florida Lawmakers Reverse School Funding Cuts Amid Protests
New Commissioner of Education Appointed in Florida Schools
Tribute to a Champion of Florida’s Schools
Ron DeSantis Appoints New Florida Education Commissioner
Texas Law Granting In-State Tuition to Undocumented Students Blocked
Foreign Student Visa Interviews on Hold Amid New Regulations
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Leon County Schools Approve New AI Policy
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County School Board Meeting Briefs
- Tallahassee.com: Leon Public Schools May Allow AI Usage
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Google Search: Leon County Schools AI Policy
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
