Kelly Umbach

This document presents the AI Think Tank's 'Year in Review' for the 2025-2026 school year, detailing the integration of artificial intelligence within the educational setting. Key focus areas included the historical progression of AI adoption, structured implementation activities throughout the school year, and the creation of an AI syllabi statement emphasizing ethical and responsible use. The plan also highlights robust professional development for staff, active engagement with parents and students, and a vision for generative AI that upholds human-centered learning, critical thinking, and equity. Future endeavors are outlined to advance AI integration and literacy for the subsequent academic year.

This document outlines the district's strategic approach to integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into its educational environment, emphasizing its role in enhancing learning, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for a modern workforce. The vision is guided by five core values: AI Literacy, Human-Centered Learning, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Equity, and Acceptable Use. Key objectives include equipping students with necessary AI knowledge and skills, preserving human connection and creativity in learning, promoting responsible AI use for cognitive support, ensuring equitable access, and fostering ethical use with integrity. The plan details stakeholder expectations for students, parents, teachers, and administrators, focusing on academic integrity, ethical support, empowered instruction, professional growth, strategic guidance, and data security.

The board discussed several operational and educational matters, including a review of the 2020-2021 district and board goals and a Superintendent's community update regarding school reopening plans. Financial and operational agenda items included bill payments, the transfer of unexpended funds into capital and maintenance reserves, and the approval of various service contracts and insurance renewals. Human resources discussions focused on staff appointments, transfers, retirements, and resignations. Additionally, the board initiated the first reading of several new policies and regulations, addressed referendum project updates, and approved the acceptance of federal grant funds and a donation from the PTA.

The board meeting involved the presentation of the 2025-2026 District Goals, which focus on science instruction, curriculum refinement, social and emotional learning, and curriculum articulation. Other topics included the Superintendent's community update and reports on school enrollment, safety drills, student and staff attendance, and harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents. The Finance and Operations Committee presented resolutions for bill payments, financial reports, fund transfers, professional development travel, and a Special Education Medicaid Initiative waiver. The Education Committee discussed field trips, while the Human Resources Committee addressed staff appointments, retirements, sports monitor positions, home instruction, student internships, and staff transfers. Finally, the board scheduled an executive session to discuss confidential student matters.

The board reviewed and discussed various district and board goals for the upcoming year, along with reports on enrollment, fire and security drills, and attendance data. Key financial items included the approval of bill payments, fund transfers, and the acceptance of federal grant funds. The board also awarded a contract for parking lot improvements at Sportsman's Field, approved insurance renewals, and finalized several legal and professional services contracts. Additionally, the board adopted new district policies, confirmed various staff appointments and salary adjustments, and approved a resolution to submit a special ballot question for school facility projects at Sickles and Knollwood schools.