Leonard J. Dietzen, III, recently shared insights on artificial intelligence in the District Administration article, “What Florida’s new AI rule means for school leaders.” The article examines Florida’s newly adopted regulations governing AI in public schools and their implications for school districts navigating the growing use of AI in education.

Leonard cautions that the July deadline does not postpone separate prohibitions that apply as soon as the rule takes effect. “Leaders should work with counsel now to distinguish immediate restrictions from policy implementation requirements. For administrators outside Florida, the rule offers a useful framework for examining their own AI oversight,” Leonard said.

The article also addresses parental notice and opt-in requirements, including planning for a substantively comparable non-AI alternative. Leonard further discusses building student protections into procurement, such as added review for tools used in prekindergarten through fifth grade and limits on vendor use of student data.

“Teachers and administrators need training on AI risks, limitations and requirements,” Leonard said. “Districts must maintain publicly accessible approved-tool lists, retain student-interaction records for at least 30 days and report required tool-use information to the Florida Department of Education.”