Why I am Running for a 4 Year Term for the BOE

Date: July 2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping public education, bringing tremendous opportunities and legitimate concerns. As a former Alameda Board of Education member for 12 years, I believe AI should be governed thoughtfully so our students benefit from personalized learning while schools protect privacy, promote equity, preserve meaningful human relationships, and teach responsible AI use. Technology should empower great teacher - not replace them - and every decision should put students, educators, and families first.

As a 45-year Alameda resident, I understand our community's values, traditions, and educational priorities. My son and two daughters graduated from Alameda public schools, and today five of my grandchildren are continuing that tradition. I want every Alameda student to have the same opportunities my own family has enjoyed through our public schools.

Strong schools begin with excellent teachers, responsible governance, and meaningful partnerships with families. Together, we can ensure Alameda's schools continue to prepare every student to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Intelligence in Alameda Schools

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life. As our community considers its future role in education, these frequently asked questions are intended to provide information and encourage thoughtful community discussion.

1. Why are we talking about artificial intelligence now?

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life—from search engines and customer service to healthcare and the workplace. Students will graduate into a world where AI is commonplace. Our responsibility is to understand both its opportunities and challenges before making important decisions about its role in education.

2. Is AI going to replace teachers?

No.

Great teaching depends on relationships, experience, judgment, creativity, and understanding each student's unique needs. AI cannot replace those qualities. The goal is to explore whether AI can reduce routine administrative work so teachers can spend more time teaching, mentoring, and connecting with students.

3. Is Alameda planning to replace classroom instruction with AI?

No.

Classroom teachers remain at the center of learning. Any future use of AI should support—not replace—high-quality instruction and meaningful human interaction.

4. Why should our schools even consider AI?

Because our students will use AI throughout their lives.

Just as schools teach students to use calculators, computers, and the internet responsibly, we should help students understand how to use AI safely, ethically, and effectively.

5. What benefits could AI provide?

Potential benefits include:

  • Personalized learning support
  • Additional tutoring outside school hours
  • Assistance for English learners
  • Improved accessibility for students with disabilities
  • Reduced administrative workload for teachers
  • Faster feedback for students
  • Better preparation for college and future careers

Whether and how these benefits are realized depends on thoughtful implementation and ongoing evaluation.

6. What are the biggest concerns?

Many community members have legitimate questions about:

  • Student privacy
  • Data security
  • Accuracy of AI-generated information
  • Bias in AI systems
  • Academic integrity
  • Screen time
  • Equity of access

These concerns deserve careful consideration before significant decisions are made.

7. Who should decide how AI is used?

This should not be decided by the school board alone.

Students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members all deserve a voice. Community dialogue should guide any future policies and practices.

8. Will every teacher have to use AI?

Not necessarily.

Teachers have different instructional styles and varying levels of experience with technology. Professional development and support should help educators learn about AI at their own pace while respecting professional judgment.

9. Will students stop learning if they use AI?

Learning remains the goal.

Students still need to develop critical thinking, writing, mathematics, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. AI should be used in ways that strengthen learning rather than replace it.

10. Is AI always correct?

No.

AI can make mistakes, produce inaccurate information, and reflect biases found in its training data. Students and educators must learn to verify information and think critically rather than accepting AI responses at face value.

11. Does supporting AI mean buying expensive technology?

Not necessarily.

Many AI tools already exist, while others may not be appropriate for schools. The first step is understanding the opportunities, risks, and educational value before making decisions about investments.

12. How will student privacy be protected?

Protecting student information must remain a top priority.

Any AI tools considered by the district should comply with applicable privacy laws and district policies, with careful attention to data security, transparency, and responsible use.

13. What role should the Board of Education play?

The Board's role is to provide governance.

That means asking thoughtful questions, engaging the community, establishing clear policies, protecting students, supporting educators, and ensuring that any future use of AI aligns with Alameda's educational values.

14. Why not simply wait until other districts figure this out?

Waiting may seem safer, but AI is evolving quickly.

Learning from other districts is valuable, but Alameda should also engage in its own conversations so we can make informed decisions based on our community's needs/values rather than reacting after changes are already widespread.

15. What happens next?

The first step is conversation.

Before making significant decisions, Alameda should engage students, teachers, families, staff, and community members in an open discussion about the opportunities, concerns, and safeguards surrounding artificial intelligence in education.

Guiding Principle

"Artificial intelligence isn't the goal. Better education is the goal."

Our responsibility is to ensure that any future use of AI supports students, empowers teachers, protects privacy, promotes equity, and reflects the values of the Alameda community.

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Last modified: July, 2026

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