Booker High student calls for clear AI rules at Sarasota board meeting

Kennedy Cole, a student at Booker High School in Sarasota, stood before the Sarasota County School Board last week to argue that schools must set strict boundaries on the use of artificial intelligence.

Cole, who attends an arts-focused high school, said that AI posters and messaging on campus have raised alarm bells among students. He stated that the constant presence of AI materials damages creativity. He added that both students and teachers are relying on the technology in ways that need correction.

“We want you to listen to our perspectives, allow for real change to be made where there is no AI in our schools, period,” one speaker told the board during public comment. Nearly a dozen students and parents spoke against the district’s proposed AI policy during that same meeting.

Board members voted to move forward with advertising the proposed policy changes for public review. The revisions have not received final approval. Under the draft rules, students could use AI for brainstorming and receiving feedback, but they could not use it to replace their own original work. Students would be required to acknowledge when they use the technology.

Teachers could use AI to help create lesson plans and classroom materials. However, the technology could not make important decisions about students without human review. The policy also includes protections for student privacy.

School Board Member Bridget Ziegler said AI could offer benefits when used appropriately, including improving efficiency. She noted that the technology should not come at the expense of academic integrity. “I think with AI it certainly creates some opportunity to create efficiency, but at what cost?” she said.

A recent RAND survey found that 67% of students believe using AI for schoolwork harms their critical thinking. Cole said he does not believe the technology necessarily needs to be eliminated entirely. He wants schools to set clear expectations for how it is used so it supplements education rather than replacing it.