Education Policy & Advocacy
From a Question to Action.
As a JerseyCAN Parent Fellow, I chose the Innovation category and focused on AI governance in K–12 public schools. Livingston Public Schools’ recognition by NJSBA for AI innovation—and the thoughtful work our district continues to do in this area—provided the spark for the project. Observing how districts move forward at different speeds and in different ways raised a broader question: What statewide governance layer could help every school system guide AI responsibly?
AI is already entering education through classroom learning, assignments, digital platforms, communication, data systems, security tools, and district operations. Yet New Jersey does not have a statewide baseline for districtwide AI governance. Viewed through three lenses—Transparency, Equity, and Ethics—the proposal calls for every school district to adopt a local AI governance policy, supported by model guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education. The goal is not one identical policy for every district, but clear statewide expectations that protect students, support educators, preserve human judgment, and allow responsible local adaptation. Following research, consultation, and advocacy, the proposal was introduced as Assembly Bill A5184 and Senate Bill S4469.
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Researching the Question
Inspired by the forward-thinking work already underway in Livingston Public Schools, a simple question emerged: What statewide governance layer could help every district guide AI responsibly? Through the Innovation category of the JerseyCAN Parent Fellowship, that question became a focused research topic. The work examined AI across instruction, communication, data systems, security, and school operations. Conversations with LPS administrators and staff, NJSBA professionals, AI specialists, and JerseyCAN peers and mentors provided valuable perspectives and helped clarify the opportunities, risks, and governance gaps.
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Developing the Policy
The research was developed into an original proposal for a statewide baseline requiring every district to adopt a local AI governance policy, supported by model guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education. Three cornerstones shaped the way forward: Transparency, so school communities understand when and how AI is used; Equity, so basic safeguards do not vary by ZIP code; and Ethics, so privacy, human judgment, and accountability remain central. The framework establishes clear expectations for oversight, communication, monitoring, and responsible implementation while preserving local flexibility.
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Continuing the Advocacy
Moving the proposal from an idea to introduced bills required continued outreach, discussion, drafting, revision, and follow-up. With the support of Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Vice-Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, and her team, the proposal was introduced as Assembly Bill A5184, followed by companion Senate Bill S4469. The work continues through monitoring the bills, supporting informed consideration, and sharing relevant research and school-governance perspectives. If enacted, the hope is to remain engaged, where appropriate, as statewide guidance is developed and translated into practical local policy.