Essential Updates: 3 Key Policy Changes in Lake Havasu Unified School District

The Lake Havasu Unified School District has made significant updates to its policies, focusing on artificial intelligence usage, mandatory reporting procedures, and support for military families. These changes were unanimously approved during a recent school board meeting.

These updates are part of a broader strategy to align district policies with recent legislative changes. The Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, a non-profit organization, assists schools in this endeavor by providing model policies that adhere to both state and federal laws.

Among the key updates, the student code of conduct now explicitly addresses the use of artificial intelligence. One notable revision prohibits students from using the identity or work of another individual or a generative AI application as their own. Additionally, students are restricted from engaging with generative AI in ways not authorized by the district.

Board member Lisa Roman highlighted the dynamic nature of technology, stating, “The policy we’re approving is kind of a starting point. Technology is one of those ever-changing fields, and we anticipate revisions as time goes on.”

Another significant policy addition allows schools to apply for the Purple Star School Program through the Arizona Department of Education. This initiative supports military families by requiring schools to host at least one event honoring military service members each year and to develop peer mentorship programs for military students. Roman expressed pride in making schools more responsive to the needs of these families, despite their small representation in the community.

Lastly, updates to the mandatory reporting policy require educators to document and report suspected abuse of minors to the Department of Child Safety. Furthermore, any employee who suspects that a vulnerable adult has been abused must report the information to law enforcement authorities or adult protective services immediately.

These policy revisions reflect the school board’s commitment to student welfare, technology adaptation, and support for military families within the Lake Havasu community.