Policy 4226.1 – Staff Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Kenosha Unified School District Board recognizes the District’s need to address generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies both instructionally and operationally. Therefore, the KUSD Board supports coordinated efforts among staff to responsibly integrate generative AI technology into the District’s work. This includes identifying ways to use generative AI tools to enhance educational practices, to support student learning, and to improve administrative and operational efficiency and effectiveness, while also appropriately identifying and mitigating relevant risks.
Recognizing that generative AI tools have limitations and can be intentionally and unintentionally misused, and that they have capabilities that may not always align with educational goals, processes, and settings, the Board supports a prudent, cautious approach. Caution should especially be prioritized in two areas: (1) any student use of generative AI tools that is directed or facilitated by staff, and (2) any staff use of AI tools that involves data that is administratively authorized in connection with appropriately secure AI tools/applications.
When deciding whether and how to use generative AI tools, all employees are expected to exercise sound professional judgment in line with district policies, guidelines, responsible use, ethical practices, and legal compliance. This includes applying the foundational principles found in the district’s Instructional Technology Resources.
Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of technology, the operational level of many relevant decisions, and the need to promptly clarify and refine expectations, the Teaching and Learning Department, or an administrative designee, may develop, approve, and disseminate more detailed guidelines for staff use of generative AI tools.
Legal References:
- Wisconsin Statutes:
- Sections 19.31 to 19.37 [the Wisconsin Public Records Law]
- Sections 19.62 to 19.80 [personal information practices]
- Section 103.13 [records open to employee]
- Section 118.125 [state pupil records law]
- Section 995.55 [access to personal Internet account information]
- Federal Laws:
- 15 U.S.C. §§6501 – 6505 [The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act; implementing regulations at 16 C.F.R. Part 312]
- 17 U.S.C. §§101 et seq [the U.S. Copyright Act]
- 20 U.S.C. §1232g [the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 99]
- 20 U.S.C. §1232h [the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment]
- 42 U.S.C. §12131 et seq. [the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, as amended; nondiscrimination based on disability by state and local governments; implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35]
- 47 U.S.C. §254(h) & (l) [the Children’s Internet Protection Act; implementing regulations at 47 C.F.R. §54.520]
CROSS REF.:
- 4111 Employee Anti-Harassment
- 4226 Staff Technology Acceptable Use Policy
- 5111 Bullying
- 6470 Student Records
- 6633 Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION: Employee Handbook
AFFIRMED: April 28, 2026
Rule 4226.1 – Staff Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Foundational Principles and Expectations for the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools and Services for All Employees
When making decisions about whether and how to use generative AI tools, all district employees are expected to exercise sound professional judgment in accordance with district policies and guidelines, ethical practices, and legal requirements, specifically applying the following foundational principles:
- Respect for and appropriate protection of (1) personal information relating to any individual and (2) other sensitive district data are essential. While adherence to legal confidentiality requirements is necessary, it is not always a complete safeguard for data privacy. Staff are expected to consider broader ethical and contextual factors when handling or analyzing data.
- Respect for the legal rights and interests of other parties. This includes, for example: (1) complying with the terms of use that apply to an AI tool or application, and (2) adhering to restrictions on the use of copyright-protected content as AI input.
- Personal accountability for: (1) the use of AI tools for district purposes; (2) reviewing and validating the outputs of AI tools – for accuracy, reliability, absence of harmful bias, and overall appropriateness; and (3) making the final decision whether to use or not use AI-generated information or content.
- Transparency and disclosure. For example, employees should provide appropriate attribution or acknowledgement to AI sources, in accordance with prevailing professional standards and the AI tool’s terms of use.
- The use of AI note-taking and recording tools, including those with no recording function (photographic, video, or audio) on any device is permitted in non-emergency situations only if all individuals being recorded have provided their consent.
- The district reserves the right to monitor and investigate staff use of generative AI tools for work-related purposes. Consistent with applicable law:
- Staff should not expect privacy when using district-issued accounts for AI services or accounts created under district credentials. Unless prohibited by the AI tool provider’s terms of use, any such account is considered to be created in an employment capacity on behalf of the district.
- The district retains full discretion to investigate any employee’s use of generative AI technology.
- Violations of the rules, expectations, and guidelines established in this document and district curated resources may result in supervisory review and possible disciplinary action.
- Additional Expectations that Apply Primarily to Instructional Staff
The following additional foundational expectations apply primarily to teachers and other staff members whose responsibilities are directly related to student instruction. With support provided through professional development and other resources, the district expects instructional staff to:
- Ensure that any use of AI tools for teaching purposes is aligned with the district’s academic standards, district-adopted curriculum and sound pedagogical practice.
- Model the responsible and ethical use of AI for students.
- Consider AI tools to support and enhance student learning across all grade levels and subject areas when the instructor feels confident with AI integration. AI should be used to complement, not replace, quality teaching and human interaction in ways that are appropriate to students’ ages and situational factors. Staff are expected to clearly communicate to students the expectations and rules surrounding AI use for academic work.
- Establish and communicate rules and expectations that address both the appropriate use and potential misuse of AI tools by students, thereby fostering and reinforcing a culture of academic integrity.
- Requests for Exceptions
If any district employee believes that it may be appropriate for the district to consider an exception to any rule, guideline, or provision in this policy, they may submit a request through the internal Information Services HelpDesk Ticket System. Except as otherwise provided in these guidelines, all such requests must be expressly approved by the designated review team. This review team will include (but not limited to) representatives from Teaching and Learning, instructional staff, Information Services and School Leadership.
The review team will evaluate each request based on whether the proposed exception:
(1) Complies with all applicable laws;
(2) Aligned with current district goals, priorities, and the foundational principles outlined above; and
(3) Serves the district’s best interests, including network traffic and filtering considerations.The Teaching and Learning Department maintains a list of vetted generative AI tools on the district’s Instructional Technology Resources website. This list will be reviewed periodically and updated accordingly by the district’s designated review team.
