Richmond board adopts AI and reproductive-health policies; drug-free workplace moved to second reading

The Richmond Community Schools board on Tuesday approved a new artificial intelligence policy and a reproductive-health and family-planning policy and moved a drug-free workplace policy to a second reading.

Board members said the AI policy (75.40.09) was developed with input from the e-learning team and technology staff and includes administrative guidelines for teacher and student use. "This is what's recommended for now," said a board commenter during discussion, noting that the district will revisit the policy as AI tools evolve. The motion to adopt the AI policy passed after the third reading.

On Policy 24.14 — described in the meeting as covering reproductive health and family-planning instruction — a motion by Member Breton and a second by Member Priyanka carried with the board recorded voting 6–1 in favor. Supporters said the policy reflects committee review and community input and aligns with the revised Indiana code cited in discussion.

Separately, board members discussed wording in the drug-free workplace policy (31.22.01) to clarify that employees attending district-sponsored events could, in some circumstances, consume alcohol without being subject to discipline. Members agreed to move that policy to a second reading for further refinement.

Board members described the AI policy as intentionally streamlined at the policy level, with more detailed guidance held in administrative attachments and teacher-student guidelines. The district plans to monitor implementation and may adjust the policy as technology and practices change.

The board concluded discussion on the policies with recorded votes where noted and will return to the drug-free workplace policy at its next scheduled reading.