Rye’s two public school districts are still crafting and adapting their artificial intelligence policies for both students and teachers, while officials in New York City banned the technology for instruction and for all public school students younger than ninth grade.
The Rye City School District spent part of the summer updating its policies and philosophies surrounding technology in the classroom, but as of now, the district doesn’t have a specific policy banning the use of AI.
“We are, however, very mindful of ensuring that any use of AI in our schools is age-appropriate, purposeful, and aligned with sound instructional practices,” said RCSD Superintendent Tricia Murray.
The Rye Neck Union Free School District in Mamaroneck is also still “developing our approach to AI,” according to Director of Technology and Communications Mary Lanza. She did specify, however, that Rye Neck has not integrated AI for instructional purposes “at any level.”
“We had restrictions in place prior to NYC’s announcement,” Lanza told The Record. “Gemini is disabled for students in grades K-8, and ChatGPT is blocked for all grades.”
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration announced a yearlong pause on AI use for students below ninth grade a week before the beginning of the school year, according to Gothamist. NYC teachers are also prohibited from using AI for grading and classroom management, among other things.
Rye City schools conducted an internet use audit at the end of last school year to better understand how students use district-issued electronic devices in the classroom, following concern from parents about the amount of screen time kids get at school.
And after an upstate New York district proposed introducing AI humanoid robots as tutoring aides, RCSD confirmed robots were not a topic of conversation at the district.
Murray said district officials are continuously re-evaluating best practices as AI technology changes.
“As this technology continues to evolve, we believe in taking a balanced approach that helps students understand both the opportunities and limitations of AI while continuing to prioritize critical thinking, creativity and authentic learning,” she said.
