Norco, CA - Students from across the District gathered at JFK Middle College in Norco on Monday morning for the third meeting of the inaugural Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee (SSAC), where the focus centered on one of education’s most rapidly evolving topics: artificial intelligence and its impact on CNUSD.
The meeting opened with team-building activities led by Carlos Flores, Director of EL & Equity, including a four-corners exercise where students chose inspirational quotes that resonated with their personal goals, followed by a fast-paced Red Cup Relay for some fun and camaraderie.
Superintendent Dalia Gadelmawla welcomed the students by reminding them of the purpose behind each SSAC session: elevating student voice, providing mentorship, and fostering leadership development.
Building on conversations from the committee’s previous meeting—which touched on academics, cell phone policy, mental health, safety, and responsible AI use—students were invited deeper into the District’s ongoing work around AI guidelines. As districts nationwide face the challenge of adapting policies to match the pace of new technology, CNUSD emphasized the importance of having students help shape those decisions.
Educational Services Director Dr. Kathy Lee presented a summary of the AI survey they completed during a previous SSAC meeting. Students reported that they recognize the potential of artificial intelligence, but also its limitations and risks. They expressed a desire to learn how to use AI “responsibly, creatively, and ethically,” emphasizing tools that help them understand the process of learning rather than replace their effort. Several students also raised thoughtful questions about the environmental and cultural impacts of AI’s rapid expansion.
From there, students contributed ideas and concerns to help inform updates to CNUSD’s existing AI guidelines. They brainstormed and discussed the value of using AI in step-by-step ways that support comprehension, the importance of transparency, and the need for guidance that evolves alongside technology.
The day wrapped with a vision board activity led by Dr. Jeremy Goins, who asked students to reflect on what it means to manifest goals and to think about what they want to do, become, and create in their lives. Students shared that being part of SSAC helps them feel more connected to the District and to each other.
Senior Natalie Rodriguez said she felt proud to be involved in the council, and specifically, shaping the District’s AI guidelines. “It feels really meaningful to be part of this group and to know our voices matter,” she said. “It’s exciting to know we get to be part of something that will impact the future.”
For more information about the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, please click here.