Lawndale reports Measure CL spending and establishes AI task force pilots
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Summary
District tech leaders told trustees Measure CL has funded devices, network upgrades and makerspace kits; the AI task force has piloted Magic School AI and trained dozens of teachers in two levels of AI professional learning.
District technology and instructional leaders updated the board on Measure CL spending and the district's AI task force, reporting device purchases, infrastructure upgrades and early classroom pilots of generative‑AI tools.
Todd Barker, district IT lead, said $261,000 was spent this year on student devices for the district's 1:1 program and that Measure CL spending for the year stood at about $1,000,000 to date. Barker described investments in network switching, wireless access points, VoIP upgrades and replacements of UPS batteries; many infrastructure costs are subsidized through E‑Rate discounts tied to the district's free‑and‑reduced percentages.
Anne Marie Moad, director of 21st‑century learning, summarized the AI task force's work: the district used Common Sense Media lessons that integrate digital citizenship and AI, created teacher pilot teams across elementary and middle sites (about 25 pilot teachers) and ran a two‑tier professional learning model: 57 teachers completed a level‑1 AI basics course and 38 have completed a level‑2 training using Google's Gemini for instructional purposes.
Moad said the district piloted Magic School AI with the pilot teachers and gathered feedback via surveys. "We piloted Magic School AI. They provide feedback to our liaisons," she said, explaining pilot teachers evaluated tools for instructional fit and student safety.
Trustees clarified that Measure CL is a parcel tax restricted to technology and safety uses, not the general fund. Trustee Bonnie Coronado and others emphasized that CL funds are audited and were key to providing devices and hotspots during the pandemic. The board also discussed family resources: Moad said the district will post Common Sense Media resources in English and Spanish and is coordinating family learning opportunities.
On student privacy and age restrictions, staff noted generative‑AI tools used for schoolwork are blocked for students under age 13 in Lawndale; pilot tools have guardrails and the district is building guidance for teachers and families.
Next steps: The AI task force will attend a professional conference to debrief and the district will expand family resources online; staff will continue to report on Measure CL expenditures and implementation of pilot findings.