The Seneca Valley School Board broke new ground at its Aug. 12 action session by approving a policy specifically governing generative artificial intelligence in education, part of a sweeping batch of policy actions that also addressed internet use, academic integrity, and student discipline.

Board President Eric DiTullio called the meeting to order at 7:54 p.m. at the Intermediate High School Auditorium. Members Nick Brower, DiTullio, Susan Harrison, Tim Hester, Mike Jacobs, Fred Peterson, Jeff Widdowson, and Kari Zimmer were present. Leslie Bredl was absent.

The board approved Policy 815.1, Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, on second and final reading, establishing the district's framework for AI in classrooms. The companion Policy 815, Responsible Use of Internet and AI, was also approved on second and final reading after revisions. Policy 212.1 on Academic Integrity and Policy 218 on Student Discipline were both approved as new policies on second and final reading.

The financial approvals were substantial. General fund bills totaled $4,228,627.67 from the 2023-24 fiscal year and $3,720,579.15 from 2024-25. Construction fund bills added $1,171,524.07 from 2023-24 and $428,103.84 from 2024-25, bringing the combined total to approximately $9.55 million. DiTullio motioned, seconded by Brower, with all present voting in the affirmative.

The board approved a settlement agreement and mutual release with Milcam Inc. for the closeout of the East Fieldhouse project, though dollar terms were not disclosed. A student expulsion was also approved.

DiTullio took a moment to recognize Chief Seilhamer, who was attending his last school board meeting before retirement. DiTullio thanked him for his service and wished him well.

In a nod to student wellness, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with Therapy Dogs International for credentialed volunteer therapy dog and handler teams to work in district schools under Policy 713 for the 2024-25 school year.

The board authorized an extensive list of educational service agreements for the coming school year, reflecting the district's broad network of specialized providers. Agreements were approved with Glade Run Lutheran Services for day student education at St. Stephens Academy and related programs, The Bradley Center for alternative education placement, MHY Family Services/Longmore Academy, Pressley Ridge Autism for continued educational services, The School at McGuire Memorial, and AMN Healthcare and Amergis Educational Staffing for specialty and related services.

A program placement agreement with Butler Area School District was approved, and the board acknowledged the federal program allocation spending plan for 2024-25.

A $1,000 PPG Innovative Classroom Grant was approved for Tim Cammisa to support the Fly-Fishing Activity and Enrichment Club at Haine Middle School.

The board approved new bus drivers for ABC Transit, Valley Lines, and the district, along with the 2024-25 Schoolwide Plan for the High School, an early admission to kindergarten for one student, and the sale or recycling of obsolete books from the Senior High School.

Research and arts partnerships also advanced. The board approved a research study on the impacts of physical space at Ehrman Crest Elementary and Middle Schools, an affiliate partner agreement with the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers for a Scholastic Art and Writing Awards regional program through June 2025, and the Accelerate Education Master Services and License Agreement running through August 2025.

Policy consolidation continued with first readings to retire separate job-related expense policies for administrative, professional, and classified employees in favor of a unified Policy 331. The revised organization chart received a first reading, and Policy 332 on Working Periods and Policy 340 on Responsibility for Student Welfare were approved on second and final reading.

The district also approved School Assist Consulting LLC to provide professional development leadership coaching for the 2024-25 school year.

With school set to begin Aug. 22, the district announced a summer professional development session on AI tools for teachers on Aug. 13, followed by new teacher induction Aug. 14-15 and staff in-service days Aug. 19-21.