In this episode we explore a growing problem for school districts: how do you govern AI use when you cannot clearly see where or how it is already being used?

Looking at recent policy moves in New York City, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Katy ISD, we examine the gap between official AI rules and the reality inside schools. 

Topics covered:

• Why districts often lack a complete inventory of AI tools
• New AI restrictions in New York City, Fairfax County, and Katy ISD
• Why defining “AI” is harder than it sounds
• The limits of bans, firewalls, and approved-tool lists
• The trade-off between surveillance and teacher autonomy
• The risks of policies that districts cannot consistently enforce
• Why AI governance is now more urgent than AI adoption
• What the forthcoming student-led AI Bill of Rights for Schools could add to the debate

Sources:

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/katy/article/katy-isd-ai-policy-generative-ai-students-22357245.php

https://www.the74million.org/article/students-convene-to-hammer-out-ai-bill-of-rights-for-schools/

https://www.ffxnow.com/2026/07/23/fairfax-county-school-board-approves-restrictions-on-generative-ai-digital-devices/