San Marino Unified launches AI task force, plans phased rollout of training and pilot classrooms

San Marino Unified School District technology and instructional leaders proposed forming an AI task force this summer with district‑wide professional development, pilot classrooms and a phased plan to integrate artificial‑intelligence tools into instruction and operations.

Presenters said the task force will prioritize AI literacy for educators, teacher coaching, role‑specific use cases, and responsible use policies. The phased plan includes summer and fall trainings for educators, development of a resource hub with vetted tools, pilot classrooms with embedded coaches, and a spring 2026 showcase of student and teacher projects.

Technology staff and the proposed AI leads said the task force will build age‑appropriate, curriculum‑aligned guidance so teachers can use AI as a classroom tool rather than an academic shortcut. The district presented examples of classroom uses — co‑authored writing with teacher oversight, simulated lab scenarios for science, AI‑generated practice for algebra and scaffolded supports for elementary learners — and recommended explicit lessons on bias, misinformation and digital citizenship. Presenters also noted privacy and student‑age restrictions on some third‑party tools and recommended vendor vetting.

The proposal calls for partnerships with existing district vendors and community partners, an internal resource hub for vetted tools, a teacher‑training model to create coaches at each site, and possible budget requests for PD, speaker fees and pilot licenses. District staff said the task force will return recommendations for district policy language and acceptable‑use addenda after pilot results. The board did not vote on a formal policy at the session.