River Dell School Board Tackles AI Education and Budget Concerns
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
06/03/2024
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Recording Published:
06/03/2024
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Duration:
85 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oradell, River Edge
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the River Dell School Board addressed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, alongside discussions on budget adjustments and staff appointments for the 2024-2025 school year. The debate on the potential hiring of an additional music teacher at the high school also featured prominently.
One notable issue discussed was the implementation of AI within the educational curriculum. The board stressed the importance of ethical AI usage, including the evaluation of information credibility, intellectual property rights, and the recognition of biases. A plan for monitoring and evaluating AI usage was outlined, which includes quarterly stakeholder surveys and biannual Ethics Review Committee assessments. Additionally, the process for teachers to gain permission to use AI tools in the classroom was discussed. The board emphasized proper referencing and citation of AI usage in student work, listing the consequences of policy violations, such as receiving a zero on assignments and potential parent conferences.
The members discussed the need for ongoing professional development for staff to ensure responsible use of AI and its integration into existing curricula and learning objectives. Concerns were raised about the surveillance of AI to prevent plagiarism and cheating, with a need for authentic student work. During the meeting, a member noted that students were cautious about embracing AI, countering expectations of their response to new technology. The student member report highlighted school achievements and activities, including the involvement of student representatives in administrative discussions.
The revised final budget for the upcoming school year was also a key topic. An additional $136,000 was allocated to address overages at the middle and high schools and to replenish supplies cut due to lost state aid. Appointments approved by the board included a business administrator, assistant superintendent, a high school counselor leave replacement, a physics teacher, and minibus drivers.
The proposal to hire an additional music teacher at the high school was brought forth during the public comments section, with a student expressing concerns about the current teacher’s extensive responsibilities.
In addition to these discussions, the meeting included updates from the Community Relations and Technology committee regarding the new visitor management system with photo identification and the continuation of the district newsletter in print. The board recognized several retiring staff members for their service and the contributions of former board president Mr. Al Graph, who served for nine years.
Dr. James J. Albro
School Board Officials:
Alan Feigenson, Claudia O’Neill, Tracey-Ellen Ehalt, Annette Farelli, Robert Graham Jr., Stephanie Hartman, Barbara Kuchar, Douglas Kupfer, John Samuel
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
06/03/2024
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Recording Published:
06/03/2024
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Duration:
85 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Oradell, River Edge
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