Written by Heather Koontz
Student safety took center stage at the Montpelier-Roxbury Public School Board’s regular meeting held on Feb. 4.
During public comment, Joe Carroll, president of the Montpelier-Roxbury Federation of Educational Associations, asked the board to help ensure students are safe in potential encounters with immigration and customs agents. The proposed solution included up-to-date training and support for all staff members. “Know your rights” training for students and adults. and a clear public affirmation of the role of schools as safe spaces. “Students are feeling fearful right now. We risk sending a message that they are independent,” he says.
law enforcement laws
Later in the meeting, the Board discussed the possibility of taking formal supportive positions on the two proposed bills. Bill S208 would require law enforcement officers to remove facial coverings and self-identify by name and badge, with some exceptions. Bill S209 seeks to add school facilities to the existing list of community areas where civilian arrests are not permitted.
There was extensive discussion about the impact of each law, including the definition of a “civil arrest” and how it affects the Montpelier Police Department when conducting non-immigration-related duties.
Board member Jim Murphy said he was “generally supportive” of both bills and believed it was good for the board to “have a say,” but he was unfamiliar with the language in S208 and thought it was beyond the board’s ability to comment.
The remaining board members expressed general agreement with this stance, and Superintendent Libby Bonesteel added that she intends to speak with the Montpelier Police Department about the impact of S209 to ensure that the department’s ability to perform community service activities is not hampered.
Despite expressing a desire to clarify the details of each bill, the MRPS Board reiterated its desire to support bills that keep students safe and promote a conducive environment for learning.
“Making this move on behalf of the people who are in our buildings and doing their jobs every day is one small step we can all take,” said MRPS Chair Mia Moore.
The Board agreed to continue community discussion and clarify the details of the proposed legislation, particularly S209, before formally deciding on support ahead of its next meeting on February 18th.
Technology as a tool for safety and preparedness
Also at the meeting, Michael Berry, Director of Curriculum and Technology, presented the district’s current AI awareness strategy. “I’m really proud of what we’re doing as a district. I think we’re doing it right,” Berry said. “We go slow to go fast.”
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, staff development is increasingly becoming a priority. To address this need, Berry has introduced a weekly training tool that provides in-depth coaching opportunities for educators seeking one-on-one guidance on using and discussing AI in the classroom.
Student engagement initiatives include the Montpelier High School AI Club, which provides a “collaborative environment to explore AI applications, coding, and ethical considerations.” In April, students will have the opportunity to join other Vermont learners at the Vermont AI and Impact Student Symposium and share their thoughts on technology.
“This is an opportunity for high school students to give a short pitch on how to use AI to solve social problems and how to solve the problems that AI causes,” Berry said. Examples of projects include tracking weather patterns, enriching terrain data, and minimizing screen time.
Another key part of MRPS’ AI action plan is developing an infrastructure to ensure curriculum and procedures are compatible with ever-changing technology.
When asked how caregivers can address the complex opinions surrounding AI, Berry advised that having conversations about the technology is essential. “There are mixed feelings about AI, but I’m not trying to convert anyone,” he said. “But to keep people safe, we need to talk about it and have administrators talk about it.”
Superintendent Bonesteel added that ignoring the impact of this rapidly changing technology would be a disservice to the student body. “We have to focus on the future, otherwise our children will not be prepared for the future and the work they will have to do,” she said.
source of information
Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools AI Awareness Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17YE57dpe1aGj0r_O9Khr5Uv03HsQikxL/view
S208:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0208/S-0208%20As%20 Introductiond.pdf S209:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/S-0209/S-0209%20As%20 Introductiond.pdf
