Montclair Bars Generative AI in PreK Through Grade 8 and Limits High Schoolers to Teacher-Authorized Work
The Montclair Board of Education's Policy 2365, approved Oct. 14, is among New Jersey's most restrictive K-12 AI rules: no generative AI at all through grade 8, citation required in high school, and a district AI Plan with an opt-out procedure for families.
Montclair has adopted one of New Jersey's most restrictive K-12 generative AI policies, prohibiting student use through grade 8 and tying high school use to teacher authorization, according to Montclair Public Schools board meeting records and the policy document, in a report by Formative Spaces read in full by this desk on Monday and cross-checked against The Montclair Girl's Nov. 1 Essex County roundup, which noted the district has approved new technology and AI policies and is now turning to implementation.
The Board of Education approved Policy 2365, titled Acceptable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence, on second reading on Oct. 14, 2026, following a first reading on Sept. 16, according to the report. The policy prohibits students in prekindergarten through grade 8 from using generative AI in assignments or other work products. For students in grades 9 through 12, generative AI may be used only when a teacher authorizes it for a specific assignment and informs students of the conditions, and students must document or cite any AI-generated content. Unauthorized use is handled under the student Code of Conduct.
The policy also requires the superintendent to develop and maintain a district AI Plan — which may designate an AI Coordinator — covering staff use of AI in grading, feedback, assignments, assessments and instruction, including methods for citing AI-generated content. It requires a procedure for parent or guardian requests for alternatives to AI-enabled technologies, and a professional development and educational program on AI literacy for staff, students and families, with the plan reviewed at least annually for the first two years. Prohibited uses include misrepresenting AI-generated work as one's own, creating misinformation or deepfakes, misusing confidential student or staff personal information, and using AI to harass, bully or intimidate, according to the policy as reported.
The approach is stricter than its Essex County neighbor: the South Orange & Maplewood School District adopted its own Policy 2365 in July 2025, but that version provides guidelines for AI use at all grade levels rather than a blanket prohibition through grade 8, according to the report. Statewide, the New Jersey Department of Education has not issued binding K-12 AI guidance — its June 2024 resources are advisory — and pending legislation, A5184/S4469, would require every board of education to adopt a responsible-AI policy, but it had not been enacted as of Montclair's approval.
