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Board updates technology and conduct policies; calls for more guidance on AI in classrooms
Summary
The La Canada Unified board approved revisions to staff and student technology policies and a staff professional standards policy, and trustees discussed the need for local guidance on use of artificial intelligence in instruction and grading.
The La Canada Unified Governing Board on Feb. 25 approved updates to staff and student technology policies and a revision to the district's professional standards policy for employees, while trustees and staff discussed the district's approach to classroom use of artificial intelligence.
Staff presented minor revisions to Board Policy 4040 and associated administrative regulations to reflect updated language about personally identifiable information and to flag that AI and other new tools require cautious, ethical use. The presenter said the policy intentionally omits prescriptive grading rules to allow the district to develop more nuanced guidance: "I pulled the grading language from the BP at the CSBA recommendation. So I don't think we're prepared to sanction it. I think we're prepared to have more conversations," the presenter said.
Board members and staff discussed possible distinctions between objective, rule-based grading (for example, auto-graded quizzes) and subjective assessments such as student essays; one board member observed that grammar checks are rule-driven while content evaluation is more complex. Staff also described limited district subscriptions to large language models on a pilot basis, and cited an external nonprofit platform (PlayLab.ai) under consideration to give teachers controlled access to paid tools for experimentation.
Separately, the board approved a revision to BP 4119.21 (professional standards) and its accompanying exhibit to clarify expectations for staff conduct, appropriate boundaries with students, use of district-approved communication platforms (ParentSquare, Aeries, Google Classroom, Remind) and mandated reporting procedures. The presenter said the policies were revised in consultation with the La Cañada Teachers Association.
Why it matters: As generative AI enters classrooms, districts are wrestling with academic integrity, student privacy and how to preserve instructionally valuable assessments. The board characterized its stance as "cautious exploration," seeking to balance pedagogical opportunities and risks.
Actions taken: Trustees approved the second reading and adoption of the staff technology policy revisions, the student technology administrative regulation updates, and BP 4119.21 and its exhibit. The board asked staff to highlight policy changes to students, families and staff, continue professional development on responsible use, and convene further conversations about grading and AI guidance.
No member proposed immediate bans on AI tools; instead the board approved the policy language and directed staff to develop classroom-level guidance and monitor research and vendor costs.
