RESOURCES
CSBA taskforce lays the groundwork for AI adoption
The AI Taskforce is wrapping up its final activities with four summarizing briefs
A stylized vector digital illustration showing a white robot arm extending from a purple screen towards a larger blue smartphone screen; The robot hand is interacting with a yellow graphic of a graduation cap on the phone; Below the phone are two books, one orange and one purple; A small figure in an orange outfit stands to the right of the phone, looking at it and holding a tablet; Circuit board designs are in the background; This likely represents artificial intelligence in education
Throughout 2024 and 2025, members of CSBA’s AI Taskforce: Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence considered a multitude of issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and schools and oversaw the creation and compilation of important resources to inform local educational agency leaders.

As AI rapidly evolves and transforms industries, it is imperative that California’s education system stays ahead of the curve to maximize the benefits of AI while safeguarding the welfare of the state’s students. CSBA’s AI Taskforce embodies the association’s commitment to provide members with resources to make informed decisions that support student success and harness the power of innovation.

The AI Taskforce is a multidisciplinary team of technology experts, board of education members, educators, school administrators, researchers, academics and other school and community partners working to ensure boards have the tools and information for this transformative period in education.

As the taskforce comes to a close, CSBA would like to highlight the group’s accomplishments and thank its members for their steadfast commitment to providing valuable, timely and relevant resources.

Highlights
The AI Taskforce webpages cover a plethora of areas related to AI and schools. This centralized hub provides board members with easy access to a wealth of knowledge and tools essential for understanding and implementing AI in their district or county office of education. It offers both introductory resources for those new to AI and advanced materials for members looking to deepen their expertise and apply AI solutions effectively.

By offering resources tailored to different expertise levels, the taskforce hopes to ensure that both novice and experienced board members can find the support they need. This approach recognizes that a one-size-fits-all strategy is ineffective and underscores the importance of meeting individuals where they are on their AI journey. Such customization empowers members to build confidence and competence, ultimately leading to more successful AI integration in educational settings.

Features include a Resources and News page to learn the basics of AI, review relevant research, reports and articles, get updates on legislation and find events; a page for Scenarios and Resolutions to peruse resolutions LEAs have passed and explore a list of AI-related scenarios that board members have experienced (including policy implications); and a Promising Practices and Policies page, which includes details on successful practices in California LEAs and relevant CSBA sample policies available in GAMUT.

CSBA’s AI Roadmap Facilitation Guide can help governance teams develop or refine their approach to incorporating AI into academic and administrative operations. The activities and discussions in this guide will help governance teams and stakeholders craft a resolution outlining the LEA’s approach to the use of AI in the district or COE and develop a roadmap towards implementing that approach.

Upcoming work over the summer includes an integrated user guide to support users as they navigate the collection of resources by asking a series of guiding questions.

Another highlight of the taskforce’s work were three well-attended webinars that examined AI’s ethical implications, legal considerations, and factors that school districts and COEs should consider to help guard against the downsides of AI while leveraging its significant potential for the benefit of students, staff and community.
Find the CSBA AI Taskforce webpages at www.csba.org/AI.
“CSBA saw that there was an urgent need to help governance teams understand what AI is and what the impacts of this rapidly evolving technology on education would be,” said Susan Markarian, chair of the AI Taskforce, Pacific Union Elementary School District trustee and former CSBA President. “There was a critical need to help district and county boards of education be knowledgeable about the implications of AI use and the policies they will need to have in place. The impact of AI will be like nothing we have ever seen in our lifetimes. It is our responsibility as board members to provide the policies and governance to manage this emerging technology explosion.”
Taskforce members
CSBA offers its sincerest thanks to the AI Taskforce chair and members for their dedicated service and steadfast focus on curating and developing resources to support the thoughtful, strategic adoption and implementation of AI.
CHAIR
  • Susan Markarian, Pacific Union ESD Trustee and CSBA Immediate Past President
MEMBERS
  • Vernon M. Billy, CSBA CEO & Executive Director
  • Stephanie Avera, Capistrano USD Chief Technology Officer
  • Heidi Baynes, Riverside COE Coordinator of Education Tech
  • Robert Bauer, Portola Valley School District Trustee
  • Jennifer Burks, Poway USD Associate Superintendent of Technology
  • Jennifer Crabtree, West Covina USD Coordinator of Education Technology
  • Shelley Deniz, Madera COE Trustee
  • Matt Gehrett, Dinuba USD Educational Technology Director
  • Albert Gonzalez, Santa Clara USD Trustee and CSBA President
  • Edward Hilton, Tahoe Truckee USD Director of Technology Services
  • Soheil Katal, Los Angeles USD Chief Information Officer
  • Jeremy Koellish, San Luis Costal USD Director of IT
  • Dr. Bettye Lusk, Monterey Peninsula USD Trustee and CSBA Vice President
  • Kimberly McGrath, Reed USD Superintendent
  • David Miyashiro, Cajon Valley Union SD Superintendent
  • Chris Norwood, Milpitas USD Board President
  • Morgan Nugent, Lassen Union HSD Superintendent
  • Arlene Perez, El Rancho USD Trustee
  • Jason Price, Western Placer USD Board Vice President
  • Sabrena Rodriguez, Ventura USD Trustee and Region 11 Director
  • Daniel Sandoval, Santa Paula USD Trustee
  • Larry Simon, San Leandro USD Assistant Superintendent
  • Nancy Smith, Palmdale SD Trustee and Region 22 Director
  • Roger Snyder, Scotts Valley USD Trustee and Region 9 Director
  • Nicolas Wade, Columbia USD Superintendent
  • Justin Walker, Willits USD Director of Technology
  • Terry Walker, Irvine USD Superintendent
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