EASTON, MARYLAND — Talbot County Public Schools has a draft artificial intelligence policy on the board calendar. Policy Code 9.18, labeled Instructional Technology and Artificial Intelligence, went through a first reading at the Board of Education’s Aug. 12, 2026, regular meeting.

Maryland’s Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act requires each local school system to adopt an AI policy aligned with state guidance by Oct. 22, 2026. That deadline is the Shore clock parents and teachers can mark.

What the draft says, in board English. Section III of the posted Policy 9.18 text states that artificial intelligence shall be used to support, but not replace: professional judgment; meaningful relationships between educators, students, and families; authentic student learning; critical thinking, creativity, and independent decision-making; or human responsibility for decisions affecting students or employees.

AI-assisted instructional and operational decisions “shall remain subject to appropriate human review and oversight.” The purpose section frames educational technology — including AI — as a tool to enhance teaching, learning, accessibility, communication, and operations when it is purposeful, responsible, secure, and ethical.

Board expectations listed in the draft include age-appropriate use, privacy and data security, academic integrity, copyright compliance, and review through established district procedures before tools touch students, employees, confidential information, or district data. The board directs the superintendent to write administrative regulations to implement the policy.

Adoption lines on the draft remain blank. How this sits next to the state book. Chapter 634 of the 2026 Laws of Maryland (the Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act, Senate Bill 720) took effect June 1, 2026, and directs the Maryland State Department of Education to publish AI guidance and requires local boards to adopt aligned policies.

Assistant Superintendent Helga Einhorn presented the Talbot first reader on Aug. 12; a second reading is required before final board action.