NYC Pauses an AI High School Plan after Family Protests

New York City officials have withdrawn a set of school proposals after strong family opposition. On April 27, 2026, Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels removed a plan to open Next Generation Technology High School. The proposal had been scheduled for a vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, but it was taken off the agenda while community meetings were happening. The Next Generation plan was intended to open in Lower Manhattan and it had promoted partnerships with technology organizations.

The city has also paused proposals that would have closed, truncated, or relocated several Upper West Side middle school programs, including P.S. 191 and the Manhattan School for Children, and a move for The Center School. Officials have said they will seek more time to hear families and to refine how artificial intelligence should be used in classrooms. The Department of Education released new guidance on artificial intelligence on March 24, 2026, and it invited public feedback through a 45-day window. Parent groups have asked for a moratorium on school use of AI until clearer safeguards are in place. This pause gives officials time to improve communication and to address privacy and fairness concerns.