BHUSD Forms AI Task Force to Guide Curriculum and Classroom Use

Beverly Hills Unified School District has formed an artificial intelligence task force to help develop AI instruction for middle and high school students and guide how the technology is used across the district.

The group brings students into the same discussion as teachers, parents, administrators, community representatives and district leaders. Its work follows the Board of Education's adoption of a technology policy that limits unnecessary classroom technology in the early grades while calling for older students to learn how to use and evaluate AI responsibly.

Trustees Dr. Amanda Stern and Russell Stuart were appointed as the board's liaisons. Parent participation includes representation through the Principal's Advisory Council, according to the district's September 26 announcement.

"I am pleased to be a part of our AI Task Force," Stern said. "We are chartering a sensible and impactful path that will benefit our students and take BHUSD learning and innovation to the next level."

The task force will help inform the development and implementation of secondary-level curriculum covering AI literacy, ethical use, effective prompting and critical evaluation of AI-generated information. The district also plans to examine applications in creativity, research, problem-solving and learning.

That scope places evaluating information alongside using the tools. Students would study both how to make requests of AI systems and how to assess the material those systems produce.

Stuart called for a broader examination of education rather than simply adding new technology to existing practices.

"AI changes everything," Stuart said. "We cannot take a system built 150 years ago, add artificial intelligence to it, and call that progress. Our children are going to inherit a world none of us can fully predict. Our job is to make sure they are ready to lead it. That means giving them the tools to think, create, question, adapt, and build what comes next. We should not be asking how AI fits into the old model of education; we should be asking what education needs to become now that AI exists. Our students deserve nothing less."

The district's work also includes teacher training. BHUSD said it has developed and implemented professional development to introduce emerging AI tools, identify classroom applications and maintain instructional guardrails.

Former BHUSD student Nick Melamed, who the district said holds a master's degree in computer science from UC Berkeley, has worked with the Education Services team to support that training across grade levels.

BHUSD has already piloted AI-supported math tutoring at Beverly Vista Middle School and introduced educators to platforms designed for schools. The district is also exploring selected tools for academic intervention, accessibility and specialized services. Those efforts remain areas of exploration, distinct from the curriculum the task force will help develop.

"Artificial intelligence is already part of our students' everyday lives, and our responsibility is to help them maximize its potential," Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said.

Cherniss described creativity, problem-solving and personalized learning as opportunities the district wants to pursue with teacher training and clear limits on classroom use.

"With thoughtful guardrails in place, AI can become a powerful part of preparing students for success in college, careers, and whatever comes next."

The work builds on Board Policy 6163.47, Intentional Technology Use in the Classroom, Digital Learning, and Artificial Intelligence Education, which the district said the board adopted unanimously in July. The policy also directs BHUSD to explore AI education as part of graduation preparation.

The task force will continue meeting throughout the school year as the district develops its next phase of AI curriculum, professional learning and student opportunities.