Chicago school board hopefuls have signed a pledge to prohibit artificial‑intelligence tools in classrooms for three years, while also targeting screen use for younger students. The commitment, unveiled on September 10, 2026, comes as part of a broader effort to shape policy for Chicago Public Schools.
Of the 45 individuals running for seats on the board, roughly half have affixed their names to the document. Those signatories agree to a three‑year moratorium on AI applications by both students and educators, a measure intended to give the district time to assess the technology’s impact on teaching and learning.
The pledge also calls for the elimination of screen time for children before they enter third grade. For students in higher grades, the agreement proposes limits on the amount of time spent in front of screens, though specific thresholds are not detailed in the public statement. By coupling AI restrictions with tighter screen‑time guidelines, the candidates aim to address concerns about digital exposure and its effects on development.
A local nonprofit organization drafted the pledge amid an expanding debate over how artificial intelligence and screen use should be regulated in Chicago’s public schools. The nonprofit’s involvement reflects growing community interest in establishing clear boundaries for emerging technologies within the education system.
The pledge arrives as the city’s school board election approaches, positioning candidates who endorse the restrictions as proponents of cautious integration of technology. Voters will consider how these proposals align with broader educational goals and the district’s ongoing efforts to balance innovation with student well‑being.