The Collingswood Board of Education on Monday night approved its first formal rules for the use of generative artificial intelligence in classrooms, part of a wider push across South Jersey districts to manage new technology in schools.
The AI policy sets expectations for students and staff when using AI tools in coursework and notes the technology may enhance learning opportunities for students, but also that AI outputs can be incorrect.
To safeguard academic integrity, students will be required to follow district rules governing AI use, including providing proper citation or documentation for content generated by AI in their assignments. Also, the superintendent or a designee may appoint an AI coordinator to oversee AI tools districtwide, and may name additional coordinators and committees to monitor how those tools are used. The district’s overall AI plan will remain under ongoing review and may be revised as needed.
Previous discussions of Collingswood’s AI work outlined early drafts and concerns about student access and oversight, while a January work session highlighted AI.
Incident Reporting Rules Strengthened
The board also approved revisions to the policy governing reporting of incidents related to violence, harassment, intimidation, bullying, vandalism, and alcohol and other drug offenses.
The policy now specifies that the superintendent and a designee must report to the board all such instances that occurred during the prior reporting period.
Board members reviewed the changes on Monday as part of the second reading. Like the AI policy, the updated reporting rules were approved without comments or objections.
The revisions are intended to formalize how serious incidents are communicated to the board and the public, creating a regular structure for summarizing student safety and discipline issues in open session.
Parent Warns of Pattern as Teacher Resigns
Public comment focused heavily on the music program and the departure of a veteran orchestra teacher.
Elementary music teacher Eli Goldberg addressed the board on behalf of the music department, reflecting on the past school year. Goldberg highlighted more than 50 performances across the district and throughout the community, and thanked families and community members for their support of the arts.
Immediately after, parent Nancy Reddy raised concerns about the resignation of orchestra teacher Elizabeth Carlson, whose departure appeared on the personnel agenda with an effective date of Aug. 10, 2026. Reddy noted Carlson has taught in the district for more than two decades.