New Artificial Intelligence Policy and Audit Approval in Riverhead School District

During its October 14 meeting, the Riverhead Board of Education enacted a new policy regulating the use of artificial intelligence for students and staff. The adopted regulation requires students to take responsibility and cite sources for artificial intelligence outputs, while prohibiting staff from entering confidential district information into these systems.

The new policy stipulates that teachers must clarify their expectations for students and that students who do not wish to use artificial intelligence tools will not be penalized. Staff, meanwhile, will only be able to use artificial intelligence tools with supervisor approval and will be held responsible for the accuracy of outputs. In addition, warnings are included stating that artificial intelligence detection tools can be unreliable.

The board approved the financial statements and independent audit reports prepared by The Bonadio Group for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. As a result of the audit, it was stated that the district's financial position was presented fairly in all material respects. Trustee Kelly Freeborn announced that a reserve contribution of approximately $3.46 million was made and total reserves are expected to reach $32.2 million.

At the meeting, a transportation contract of $4.341 million was also signed with Eastern Suffolk BOCES for the 2026-27 school year. Due to difficulties in hiring permanent teaching assistants, the district reached an agreement with the Riverhead Teaching Assistants Association to provide temporary personnel. Meanwhile, it was reported that chronic absenteeism rates at Riley Avenue Elementary School decreased by approximately 40%.