School board approves AI policies and STEM lab with Purdue University partnership

The Jennings County School Corporation Board made significant strides in educational policy and program development during their recent meeting on April 24, 2025. A key highlight was the first reading of new Neola policies aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms. As AI technology becomes increasingly prevalent, these policies are designed to ensure its appropriate application in educational settings. The board plans to revisit these policies in the next meeting, inviting community feedback in the meantime.

In another notable development, the board approved a partnership with Purdue University’s Impact Design and Innovation program. Jennings County was selected as one of the few schools in the southeastern Indiana region to receive a new STEM lab, which will be housed at the middle school and accessible to students from kindergarten through grade eight. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education and foster innovation among students, reflecting the district's commitment to providing quality educational resources.

The meeting also included a review of the annual results-driven accountability report for special education, which serves as a performance assessment from the state. Jennings County falls within the medium enrollment category, and the report highlighted both challenges and improvements in student performance. For the 2023-2024 school year, 37.8% of special education students approached proficiency in math, while 33.7% did so in English language arts. The district's graduation rate for special education students reached 82.6%, marking a significant increase from previous years.

The board acknowledged that while the district has made progress, it remains essential to continue striving for improvement, especially as other districts in the category also enhance their performance. The data presented will guide future strategies to support special education students and ensure they receive the best possible educational experience.

Overall, the Jennings County School Corporation Board's recent decisions reflect a proactive approach to integrating technology in education and addressing the needs of special education students, setting a positive trajectory for the district's future.