An LRSD staff member leading the district’s AI initiative told the board the district has launched a formal AI strategy and created three working groups focused on governance, professional learning and proof‑of‑concept pilots.

The presenter said the project began as a Google fellowship initiative and has grown into three working groups: a policies and frameworks team focusing on values, equity and ethics; an early‑adopter/training group of teachers already using AI who will host staff trainings; and an academic leadership team that will identify a problem of practice (likely early literacy) and pilot AI tools to address it.

"We had over 30 something folks to, actually submit interest and show interest," the presenter said, describing voluntary staff participation. The presenter said the district has access to a Google representative who will provide free educator‑focused AI trainings and tools.

District staff said they had contracted an external AI expert, Giancarlo Brato, who gave a keynote presentation at the kickoff and worked with the district’s working groups. Staff emphasized the project would start with pilots and training and that participation was not mandatory for staff.

Board members commented on governance, student data protection and academic integrity. One board member urged the district to ensure staff understand how to identify AI‑assisted student work and to protect FERPA‑covered data. Staff said a policy work group is drafting guidance required by state timelines and that the multi‑perspective policy committee (PPC) will be involved as work matures.

Staff invited interested board members to participate in working‑group conversations. The district said the working groups will pivot to create training modules for educators, run targeted pilots tied to an instructional problem of practice, and draft initial policy language focused on data protection and ethical use.

No formal board action was taken; staff said policy drafts and pilot reports will be shared with the board in future meetings.