The Hennessey Board of Education approved changes to its middle school and high school handbooks Monday, Aug. 10, including a revised policy addressing student use of artificial intelligence, or AI.
High School Principal Josh Faulkner told the board the district is seeing increased use of AI by students and expects that trend to continue. The updated policy is designed to give students some leniency on a first offense while also educating them about the proper use of the technology.
“We want to kind of attack it, but also be a little lenient with the kids and not count it towards academic misconduct, their first offense because of how easy it is to use,” Faulkner said.
Under the revised policy, a student’s first AI-related offense will essentially serve as a warning and will not be treated as academic misconduct. A second offense, however, will be handled under the district’s regular academic misconduct policy, as will additional violations.
Faulkner said the district saw AI use increase as the school year progressed last year.
During the discussion, Board President, Dr. James Matousek also stressed the importance of educating parents about AI and the issues surrounding its use by students.
The high school attendance policy was also adjusted. Previously, three tardies counted as an absence and resulted in lunch detention. Under the new policy, three tardies will still equal an absence, but the automatic lunch detention will be eliminated.
Faulkner said he and Coach Cox will instead focus on repeat offenders, with stronger consequences possible when tardiness becomes excessive.
Personnel matters also made up a portion of Monday night’s meeting.
Board members approved hiring Tori Lott on a temporary contract as a special education teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
Elementary School Principal Barry Crosswhite expressed enthusiasm about bringing Lott to the district, noting her local connection and accomplishments.
“Somebody in our community that’s done well. It’s great to have her,” Crosswhite said. “She’s working hard.”
Lott is a 2015 Hennessey High School graduate and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Governors University in June 2026.
Several changes to extra-duty assignments were also approved.
Ashley Osland will continue to manage the district’s student information system, which tracks student testing and identification numbers, attendance, tardies, enrollment and other information. The board changed compensation for that responsibility from the hourly arrangement used last year to a flat fee.
Doug Boyd was also removed from the assistant cross-country extra-duty assignment.
The board also discussed the Hennessey FFA program’s trip to the 2026 National FFA Convention before completing its agenda and adjourning.
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