Placentia-Yorba Linda school district gives first readings to artificial intelligence, technology policies; new leaders for district, city

 First readings for three new policies dealing with artificial intelligence and technology were approved on 5-0 votes by Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District trustees at a recent meeting.

The artificial intelligence policy supports the use of AI by students and staff based on nine principles, including ethical use and transparency, accountability and responsibility, equity and access and security and privacy.

Key elements for students and staff are that AI “should be used to personalize and enhance the learning experience for each student (and) support digital citizenship and literacy” and to be used “to augment and support staff in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.”

The policy notes AI has the potential to “increase student access to information, support teacher effectiveness and facilitate...student assessments,” as well as a potential to “undermine student achievement, health and well-being.”

The policy also tasks the superintendent to ensure AI use is consistent with other board policies dealing with academic honesty, homework and make-up work, student assessment and student use of technology.

A second new policy is a technology plan that addresses equitable access for students, staff and school sites; using technology to improve educational services; identifying online misinformation; and preventing and responding to cyberattacks.

A third new policy tackles technology use by employees that outlines permitted uses, such as developing syllabi, reviewing student work and researching academic content or instructional techniques and non-permitted uses that include engaging with “harmful or inappropriate matter” or any activity “prohibited by law, board policy or administrative regulations.”

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Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza, whose four-year contract has a $375,000 base salary, has four assistant superintendents, but just one serves without a temporary title: Renee Gray, who helms student services. The other three are in either “interim” or “acting” positions.

Interim titles are held by Elizabeth Leon (educational services) and Joan Velasco (administrative services). Leon, director of elementary education, replaces Olivia Yaung, who resigned Sept. 9 to be an assistant superintendent in the 3,500-student El Segundo Unified School District.

Yolanda Mendoza is the acting assistant superintendent (human services) for Deputy Superintendent Issaic Gates, who was placed on leave in December but still collects a $255,000 salary.

Notes: Second reading of the city's e-bike ordinance restrictions has been delayed until the Oct. 7 City Council meeting so changes regarding locations of permitted uses can be made.

Peter Grant was chosen from 43 candidates to be City Manager replacing Mark Pulone, who retired after 12 years of service. The former Cypress leader begins his five-year contract with a $315,000 base salary.