The Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education unanimously approved a comprehensive artificial intelligence policy during its meeting on June 22, 2026. This adoption ensures the district complies with the July 1 deadline mandated by Ohio House Bill 96, which requires all public school districts in the state to establish formal AI guidelines. Policy Committee Chairman the Rev. Gregory Harrison stated that the new policy, designated as number 7540.09, addresses critical areas including AI literacy, data privacy, ethics, academic integrity, employee training and nonacademic use.

APS Director of Data and Accountability Nathan Ruyan explained that the framework is designed to provide essential guardrails that protect student information while ensuring AI serves to supplement rather than replace human instruction. The mandate requires the formation of a workgroup tasked with reviewing the policy at least four times per year to incorporate new developments. Furthermore, the district is now required to facilitate active engagement with parents and community members regarding how AI tools are integrated into the classroom environment.

In addition to the AI policy, the board managed several administrative and fiscal matters during the June 22 session. The board officially awarded Distinguished Employee Emeritus Certificates to nine long-serving staff members who retired this year with over 30 years of experience. Superintendent Mary Outley announced the reinstatement of all deans of students and paraprofessionals previously impacted by a reduction in force. Fiscal measures included the approval of final Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and temporary Fiscal Year 2027 allocations, alongside a $1.96 million contract for property and liability insurance, marking a decrease of $817,731 from the prior year.

The board also approved a transit contract with METRO Regional Transit Authority, authorizing up to $485,000 for bus services for approximately 1,800 public and nonpublic students in grades 9 through 12 for the 2026-27 school year. During a separate discussion on capital management, members passed a 6-1 resolution to review subcontractors for the Pfeiffer/Miller South building construction project. Board President Barbara Sykes dissented, characterizing the board's involvement in subcontractor selection as reckless. The next board meeting is scheduled for July 13 at 5:30 p.m.

The Akron Public Schools (APS) Board of Education unanimously approved a comprehensive artificial intelligence policy during its meeting on June 22, 2026. This adoption ensures the district complies with the July 1 deadline mandated by Ohio House Bill 96, which requires all public school districts in the state to establish formal AI guidelines. Policy Committee Chairman the Rev. Gregory Harrison stated that the new policy, designated as number 7540.09, addresses critical areas including AI literacy, data privacy, ethics, academic integrity, employee training and nonacademic use.

APS Director of Data and Accountability Nathan Ruyan explained that the framework is designed to provide essential guardrails that protect student information while ensuring AI serves to supplement rather than replace human instruction. The mandate requires the formation of a workgroup tasked with reviewing the policy at least four times per year to incorporate new developments. Furthermore, the district is now required to facilitate active engagement with parents and community members regarding how AI tools are integrated into the classroom environment.

In addition to the AI policy, the board managed several administrative and fiscal matters during the June 22 session. The board officially awarded Distinguished Employee Emeritus Certificates to nine long-serving staff members who retired this year with over 30 years of experience. Superintendent Mary Outley announced the reinstatement of all deans of students and paraprofessionals previously impacted by a reduction in force. Fiscal measures included the approval of final Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations and temporary Fiscal Year 2027 allocations, alongside a $1.96 million contract for property and liability insurance, marking a decrease of $817,731 from the prior year.

The board also approved a transit contract with METRO Regional Transit Authority, authorizing up to $485,000 for bus services for approximately 1,800 public and nonpublic students in grades 9 through 12 for the 2026-27 school year. During a separate discussion on capital management, members passed a 6-1 resolution to review subcontractors for the Pfeiffer/Miller South building construction project. Board President Barbara Sykes dissented, characterizing the board's involvement in subcontractor selection as reckless. The next board meeting is scheduled for July 13 at 5:30 p.m.