Mokena 159 Board Adopts New Policies on AI, Student Support Despite Dissent

Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Meeting | October 15, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education adopted a series of policy updates addressing topics from artificial intelligence to student sexting, though two board members voted against the package. The dissent centered on concerns that the new policies mandate the creation of programs and procedures that are not yet fully developed.

PRESS Policy Updates Key Points:

• The board approved updates based on IASB PRESS issues 118 and 119.

• New policies direct the administration to develop plans for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and support for students who are parents or victims of domestic/sexual violence.

• Two board members voted against the adoption, arguing policies should not be approved until the programs they mandate are already in place.

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, approved a comprehensive package of policy updates from the Illinois Association of School Boards’ (IASB) PRESS service, passing the measure on a 5-2 vote.

The updates in PRESS issues 118 and 119 introduce new language and directives on a range of modern educational topics, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom, student sexting, and providing support for students who are parents, expectant parents, or victims of domestic or sexual violence.

While most of the board supported the routine adoption, members Kelli MacMillan and Julie Oost voted no. Their concerns focused on language in the new policies that directs the superintendent to “develop a plan” for implementation.

“I am not in the position where I can approve this until we can have reassurance that the execution is actually happening,” MacMillan said, expressing concern that the board was approving policies for programs that are still in development.

Board member Eric Bush countered that this interpretation was incorrect. “I don’t want our public to think that just because we approve this tonight… that they’re not in effect yet because we need time to develop them,” he said, clarifying that the policy language directs the administration to begin the work.

Board President Jim Andresen agreed, highlighting a specific policy update. “It mandates that the superintendent or designee develop a plan to support students in this section,” he read. “It doesn’t mean we have to have it… perfect and in place, but it means they need to endeavor to get there.”

The motion to adopt the policy updates passed despite the dissent.