The San Mateo Union High School District updated trustees Oct. 22 on its work developing classroom artificial intelligence guidance, an effort affecting students at San Mateo, Hillsdale and Aragon high schools and other district schools.
The presentation covered progress since a May 14 study session, the establishment of a 2026-27 AI Steering Committee and emerging principles for AI use, according to the district’s AI guidance page.
Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Julia Kempkey, Manager of Teacher Induction and Professional Learning Sabbie Hopkins and Mills High School student Jesika Sapkota delivered the presentation.
An earlier AI Task Force included students, parents, educators and administrators. It presented recommendations during the May study session.
What the guidance says now
The district’s published guidance describes AI as a learning aid. It directs students to obtain their teacher’s permission before using generative AI for assigned work, keep a record of their use and acknowledge the tool when submitting assignments.
Examples of appropriate uses include gathering information, developing creative ideas, practicing skills and receiving tutoring, subject to teacher permission.
The guidance identifies submitting AI-created assignments as one’s own without disclosure or modification, evading plagiarism detection and using unverified AI-generated information as inappropriate uses.
The district also advises students and staff against entering personally identifiable information into AI systems.
Earlier plans and continuing work
Recommendations presented in May included a red, yellow and green AI-use framework, an approved list of platforms and short student lessons targeted for August 2026. The district listed those measures as summer and fall priorities; the website’s October summary does not establish which have been completed.
Priorities for the 2026-27 school year included developing students’ AI literacy, offering family education and helping teachers revise assessments. The district described its approach to evaluating AI output as a “Trust but Verify” mindset.
Broader technology changes
The AI work accompanies changes to students’ use of personal devices.
Trustees voted unanimously March 26 to implement a school-day cellphone restriction beginning in 2026-27. On June 25, they adopted the broader policy covering cellphones and personal computing devices, according to the district’s mobile device policy page. The policy includes exceptions.
The district says it will continue AI-related professional development and seek input from families and staff.
Led by Superintendent Randall Booker, the district serves approximately 9,000 students. Its six comprehensive high schools are Aragon, Burlingame, Capuchino, Hillsdale, Mills and San Mateo. It also operates additional schools and programs, according to the district overview.
