Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in the classroom, and Hennessey Public Schools is adjusting its policies to address how students use it.
During its Monday, Aug. 10 meeting, the Hennessey Board of Education approved changes to the middle school and high school handbooks, including an updated policy dealing with student use of artificial intelligence, or AI.
High School Principal Josh Faulkner told board members the district saw AI use increase among students as the previous school year progressed and expects the technology to become even more common.
Rather than immediately treating every AI violation as academic misconduct, the district wants the first offense to serve as an opportunity to educate students about appropriate use.
“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 count as academic misconduct. A second offense, along with any additional violations, will fall under the district’s regular academic misconduct policy.
Board President Dr. James Matousek also stressed the importance of keeping parents informed about AI and helping families understand the issues schools are facing as the technology becomes more accessible.
TARDY POLICY GETS AN UPDATE
The high school attendance policy also received a small change.
Three tardies will continue to count as one absence, but students will no longer automatically receive lunch detention after reaching three tardies.
Instead, Faulkner said he and Coach Cox will concentrate on students who repeatedly arrive late, with stronger consequences possible for those who develop an ongoing problem with tardiness.
HENNESSEY GRAD RETURNS AS TEACHER
Personnel matters were also part of Monday night’s meeting, including the hiring of a familiar Hennessey name.
The board approved Tori Lott on a temporary contract as a special education teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
Elementary School Principal Barry Crosswhite said he was pleased to see someone with local ties return to work in the district.
“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 earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Governors University in June 2026.
OTHER PERSONNEL CHANGES
Board members also approved several changes involving extra-duty assignments.
Ashley Osland will continue managing the district’s student information system, which includes student testing and identification numbers, attendance, tardies, enrollment and other records. Compensation for those duties was changed from the hourly arrangement used last year to a flat fee.
Doug Boyd was 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 wrapping up Monday night’s meeting.
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