Board discusses AI risks and task force work; CIO and staff to brief board in strategic update

Board members used the Oct. 21 work session to press for a clearer district approach to artificial intelligence in schools, citing student safety, data privacy and equity concerns.

Member Gallo urged the board to “get ahead of this,” pointing to emergent harms on social media and asking for policy work and transparency about any AI tools the district uses. Member Salamanca said an AI committee is already meeting, focusing first on data privacy and security; she said committee members include district technology leaders and external partners and that the committee’s first priority has been student data protection.

Nut graf: Board members emphasized two parallel priorities: protect students and student data from harms and ensure equitable access and AI literacy so that students without at‑home AI tools are not disadvantaged. They also noted the district needs guidance on acceptable classroom uses and on communicating practices to parents.

Superintendent Dr. Vasquez said CIO Maurice Dragon is leading an AI task force and will provide an update to the board during a future strategic plan briefing. She said the district is participating in a national cohort and will include teachers—via a November meeting with teachers of the year—to gather classroom perspectives.

Ending: Staff will return to the board with task force findings and recommendations; board members expressed interest in continuing education on AI impacts for students and families.