Roanoke schools prepare classroom AI rollout

Roanoke City Public Schools is preparing to bring AI into classrooms while taking a cautious approach to how the technology is selected and monitored. District officials said they are working with multiple people to ensure any AI tool follows school guidelines and is introduced in a safe, secure and practical way.

The district plans to use Magic School AI and ClassLink during the school year. ClassLink will allow officials to monitor whether students and staff access AI systems on school-issued devices, including how often and when those systems are used.

Parent leaders are urging families to stay informed and ask questions as AI becomes part of schoolwork. Roanoke City Council PTA President Jessical Blandy said students still need direct instruction in core skills such as English mechanics and usage, rather than relying on AI to do that work for them.