The meeting opened with an urgent discussion about the AECOM contract, slated to expire in January 2026. Board members expressed concerns about potential gaps in project continuity and the feasibility of transitioning to a new contractor. A representative projected that over 100 projects would remain active as of the contract’s expiration date, raising questions about the district’s capacity to manage these projects in-house. Legal counsel advised that the original contract allowed for a six-month extension, but further extensions would necessitate a new bidding process, which could lead to delays and potential bid protests.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a board member who emphasized the lucrative nature of the contract and the likelihood of overlap between the current and new contractors. The board discussed the timeline for the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), expected to be advertised in June, with an award anticipated by August. Concerns about staffing levels and the ability to effectively supervise construction activities were also highlighted.

To ensure a smooth transition, the board considered holding a workshop to facilitate comprehensive feedback and prompt action on the RFQ. The executive director of operations confirmed efforts to avoid bid protests by tightening solicitation language.

In parallel, the board delved into discussions on integrating AI and extended reality (XR) within the educational framework. Presentations highlighted AI’s potential to provide personalized instruction and facilitate immersive learning experiences through XR, such as virtual reality labs and historical simulations. Teachers and students shared testimonials on the positive impacts of these technologies, emphasizing their role in enhancing engagement and understanding across diverse learning needs.

The workshop session provided board members with hands-on experience with VR and AI tools. Discussions emphasized the importance of grounding these innovations in educational standards to maintain academic rigor while offering futuristic learning experiences.

Concerns about the ethical implications of AI in schools emerged, with board members questioning existing policies and advocating for a comprehensive framework to address potential challenges. The necessity of equity and fairness in AI usage was underscored, alongside calls for professional development programs to equip educators with the skills needed to navigate AI’s integration responsibly.

The board also explored the strategic plan’s alignment with AI integration, noting the need for revisions to ensure instructional practices accommodate technological advancements. Ongoing discussions about AI’s role in the strategic plan were deemed essential, with board members advocating for consistent updates and documentation to support the district’s educational goals.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed safety and security data reporting for traditional public and charter schools. Members highlighted the need for transparency and clarity in how safety measures are communicated to the public, particularly noting disparities in compliance rates between school types.