Anne Arundel County Public Schools is turning to families and staff to shape two major policy shifts: a state-mandated electronic device ban and the integration of artificial intelligence in classrooms, the Severna Park Voice reported.
Superintendent Mark Bedell has launched a series of Community Connections sessions running through October and November to gather direct feedback on these issues. The district faces a statewide mandate restricting student use of cellphones, smartwatches, and other electronic communication devices during the school day starting with the 2027-2028 school year.
Alongside the upcoming device restrictions, school leaders are trying to figure out how students should appropriately use artificial intelligence for learning without compromising academic integrity. Bedell noted that these public engagement forums have historically guided district leadership.
“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,” Bedell said. “The two issues we will get feedback on this year are critical for us to address.”
Each two-hour session runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at designated high schools across the county. Every meeting begins with an overview from Bedell detailing district successes and operational challenges before transitioning into facilitated small-group discussions.
The remaining schedule spans several regional hubs:
- November 2: Glen Burnie High School
- November 5: Northeast High School
- November 10: Arundel High School
- November 12: Southern High School
- November 17: Annapolis High School
- November 19: Meade High School
District officials confirmed that language interpreters will be available at all scheduled meetings. For families unable to attend in person, AACPS plans to open an online feedback portal. A video recording of Superintendent Bedell’s remarks and supporting informational materials will be published online after the meetings conclude.
