AACPS Tackles Student AI Use, Electronics Ban At Public Sessions: Dates To Know

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — School officials are calling on residents to participate in a series of sessions addressing technology-related concerns impacting Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

A total of seven sessions will be held across Anne Arundel County to address the use of artificial intelligence by students and the ban on electronic devices during the school day.

The meetings will be open to all residents, regardless of whether they have students enrolled in the district.

A bell-to-bell statewide electronics ban was signed in May by Maryland lawmakers and will require the state's more than 20 school districts to adhere to it by the 2027-2028 academic year.

Related: What Parents Need To Know About School Cellphone Bans Before Classes Start

While many school systems already have their own restrictions in place, the new legislation requires instructors to bar electronic devices, such as phones or watches, during the entirety of the school day.

Exceptions are made for students requiring a device for a medical condition, IEP, 504 plan , caregiving purpose, or language translation.

When Will The Sessions Take Place?

Unlike the town hall structure, the sessions will see participants break into groups to discuss the two topics. Officials said an online tool would also be provided.

"These sessions have proven to be very valuable to me and to our team in prior years because they allow us to hear directly from members of our community," AACPS Superintendent Mark Bedell said in a release.

"The two issues we will get feedback on this year are critical for us to address and I am very much looking forward to hearing ideas from our families, community members, students, and staff."

Two-hour sessions will start at 6 p.m. and take place on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Oct. 27
  North County High School
  10 E. 1st Ave., Glen Burnie
• Monday, Nov. 2
  Glen Burnie High School
  7550 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie
• Thursday, Nov. 5
  Northeast High School
  1121 Duvall Highway, Pasadena
• Tuesday, Nov. 10
  Arundel High School
  1001 Annapolis Road, Gambrills
• Thursday, Nov. 12
  Southern High School
  4400 Solomons Island Road, Harwood
• Tuesday, Nov. 17
  Annapolis High School
  2700 Riva Road, Annapolis
• Thursday, Nov. 19
  Meade High School
  1100 Clark Road, Fort Meade