Why It Matters
Maryland’s 24 public school districts must establish artificial intelligence policies by early fall as the state moves to regulate how schools use AI tools in classrooms and administrative functions. The deadline stems from legislation signed by Governor Wes Moore in May, which creates a statewide framework for deploying AI while protecting student data and ensuring human teachers remain central to instruction.
What Happened
The Maryland State Department of Education released formal guidance for AI adoption following months of development that began in fall 2025. The department presented eight-element guidelines to the State Board of Education in February, establishing a structured approval process for school districts considering AI tools. School districts now have 120 days from the guidance release to develop their own policies complying with the state framework.
The guidelines require districts to evaluate AI tools for data privacy protections, technology bias, and effectiveness before classroom deployment. Districts must also conduct continuous safety and efficacy reviews of any approved systems. The state will provide online educator training modules, though individual districts retain responsibility for tool-specific instruction.
Across Maryland, school systems are taking different approaches. Montgomery County Public Schools is focusing AI use primarily on teacher productivity tasks while maintaining heavy monitoring of any student-facing applications. Prince George’s County Public Schools has already approved several student pilot programs using AI tools. Frederick County Public Schools plans to establish an AI advisory group to oversee implementation and is evaluating Google’s Gemini platform through existing Google accounts.
Richard Kincaid, an education official involved in the guidance development, emphasized the teacher-centered approach embedded in the policy: “AI is not something that replaces the things that are happening within a classroom. The teacher will always and forever be the subject matter expert for the content within a class.”
By the Numbers
120 days — deadline for school districts to adopt AI policies from guidance release
8 elements — components of the state’s AI guidelines framework
24 public school districts — total in Maryland required to comply
Zoom Out
Maryland is among the earliest states to mandate comprehensive AI policies for public schools. Several states have released advisory guidance on AI use, but few have enacted binding requirements with specific implementation deadlines. The move reflects growing national concern that schools adopt AI tools thoughtfully rather than rapidly, with particular focus on protecting student privacy and ensuring technology supplements rather than displaces classroom instruction.
Supporters of the law argue that as artificial intelligence becomes ubiquitous in the workforce, students need exposure to these tools. Senator Katie Fry Hester, who championed the legislation, noted the breadth of careers now requiring AI literacy: “Whether a student wants to be a nurse or a teacher or a mechanic or an engineer or if they want to start a business, they’re going to encounter and have to use artificial intelligence.”
What’s Next
School districts will spend the next several weeks developing policies aligned with state guidance. Implementation of district-specific AI tools and programs is expected to follow policy approval. The state’s online training modules for educators will roll out concurrently to prepare teachers for AI integration in their classrooms and administrative work.