Episode 76 Artificial Intelligence for Public Agencies and School Districts: Part 4 – Understanding Risks and Benefits of AI in the Hands of Students
Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith PodcastShow Notes
In episode four of our series on Artificial Intelligence for Public Agencies and School Districts, we explore the intersection of student issues and AI. Join Lozano Smith attorneys Karen M. Rezendes, Ruth E. Mendyk, and Joshua Whiteside in their discussion of the use of AI and its effect on K-12 students, existing rules and regulations, issues of deepfakes and plagiarism, and big picture considerations for school administrators.
Show Notes & References
1:57 – Law, rules, and regulations
3:54 – Other considerations for students and the use of AI
5:55 – Importance of human connection between educators and students
7:55 – Risks and misuse of AI by students and staff
9:55 – Creation of “deepfakes”
12:29 – Discipline for cyberbullying (Education Code section 48900(r))
13:50 – Existing and emerging AI editing tools
15:16 – Academic integrity and plagiarism
17:56 – AI’s influence on teacher instruction
19:11 – Student research and Codes of Conduct
22:30 – Positive and negative impacts of AI on learning
25:58 – Risk of misinformation
26:46 – Lack of checks and balances
28:14 – Sources of information – potential for bad actors and flawed information
31:02 – Educating students on digital literacy
32:02 – Advice for school administrators
Visit Lozano Smith’s Artificial Intelligence page at www.lozanosmith.com/ai.php.
For more information on the topics discussed in this podcast, please visit our website at: www.lozanosmith.com/podcast.
Disclaimer: As the information contained herein is necessarily general, its application to a particular set of facts and circumstances may vary. For this reason, this podcast episode does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your counsel prior to acting on the information contained herein.
More from Let’s Talk - Lozano Smith Podcast
When it comes to school and community college district projects, correctly classifying work as “maintenance” or “construction” can make or break your bidding and contracting process. In this episode, Lozano Smith attorneys Arne Sandberg and Andrea Olivarez join host Sloan Simmons to unpack the key distinctions between these two categories, how they impact contract structure and bidding requirements, and what your team needs to know about competitive thresholds and UPCCAA procedures. Whether you’re drafting a contract or preparing to go out to bid, this discussion offers essential guidance to ensure compliance and clarity.
In this episode, host Michelle Cannon engages with Lozano Smith Litigation Practice Group Co-Chair Sloan Simmons and Student Practice Group Co-Chair Kyle Raney to discuss the current state of the law in California under Mirabelli v. Bonta and Mahmoud v. Taylor. The discussion reviews developments and what is anticipated in the courts through the conclusion of 2026 in relation to these cases and parallel litigation, and covers best practices and policy options for school officials due to the current status of the law.
Public employees and officials have the right to participate in political activity, but important restrictions apply when personal advocacy intersects with public employment and agency resources. In this episode, host Michelle Cannon connects with Lozano Smith attorneys Scott Cross and Gail Zurek to discuss how public employees and officials can distinguish between permissible private political activity and conduct performed in an official capacity. The conversation explores campaign activity during work and personal time, the use of agency facilities and resources, political forums and campaign materials, and the rules governing uniforms, agency logos, and equipment. The discussion also examines how public agencies may provide neutral information about ballot measures without engaging in advocacy, along with restrictions involving campaign solicitations, political benefits, and the Levine Act.
California’s SB 848 introduces significant new requirements for educational agencies related to ensuring the safety of students. In this episode, host Michelle Cannon connects with Lozano Smith attorneys Carolyn Gemma and Brianna Ramos to discuss the background behind these new requirements and what educational agencies need to know as implementation continues. The conversation explores key changes, including new legal obligations regarding employment screening, comprehensive safety plans, mandated reports, and employee trainings. The discussion provides practical insights to help educational agencies understand the law’s various effective dates and take steps to maintain compliance moving forward.
California’s AB 126 introduces significant changes to charter school oversight and authorizer responsibilities. In this episode, host Sloan Simmons connects with Lozano Smith’s Charter Practice Group Co-Chairs, Ed Sklar and Erin Hamor, to discuss the background behind these reforms and what they mean for charter schools and authorizers. The conversation explores key changes, including expanded oversight requirements, enhanced fiscal monitoring obligations, fraud reporting responsibilities, and further clarifications to California’s Charter Schools Act. The discussion provides practical insights to help authorizers prepare through policy updates, strengthened protocols, and improved documentation practices.