The Seneca Valley School District on Monday, Aug. 12 approved new policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence technology for students and teachers.

A professional development session on AI tools is underway Tuesday, Aug. 13, for staff members faced with the challenges and opportunities presented by the advancements.

In its monthly action meeting Monday, the school board greenlit, by a vote of 8-0, Responsible Use of Internet and AI and Use of Generative AI in Education, along with six other board policies concerning student discipline, academic integrity, job-related expenses of district employees and responsibility for student welfare.

“The updated one is about the responsible use of artificial intelligence,” said Matt McKinley, the district’s assistant superintendent at an earlier meeting. “The new one helps us define a lot of the terms of artificial intelligence and really backs up that first policy.”

The board also block-approved 13 instruction-centered agreements with third-party vendors and specialized education institutions, which for the most part carry over from the 2023-24 school year, officials said.

Between 800 and 1,000 district staff members are expected to attend an All-Staff Welcome Back session Friday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium.

The event will feature a 90-minute keynote address delivered by Chase Mielke, a Michigan Teacher of the Year nominee and expert on teacher wellness. Mielke will aim to kick off the 2024-25 school year with a higher-energy motivational speech, drawing on topics covered in his book, “The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again, Overcoming Educator Burnout,” according to district communications director, Linda Andreassi.

The high school drum line, pep band and cheerleading squad will hype the staff before Mielke’s address.

Seneca Valley teachers are in-service and in professional development Aug. 19 to 21, while the first day of school is set for Aug. 22.