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Community Cornerstone from Supt. Dr. Tracy Smith - October 1, 2026

Posted Date: 10/01/26 (02:42 PM)
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Community Cornerstone

from Superintendent Dr. Tracy Smith

October 1, 2026
Dear NUSD Families and Community Members,

Welcome to October! I hope your Fall season is going well. Per usual, there never seems to be enough time in the day for all that we want to do and get done. This is an exceptionally busy time of year for families, so please remember that schools are here as your partners to support where we can.

A few key items of note in today’s edition:
  • A message about the use of artificial intelligence in our secondary schools
  • Educator Workforce Housing Study Session coming soon
  • Board Meeting Agenda Items for Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Thank you for reading and participating in our fabulous public school system here in Novato!

In Partnership,

Dr. Tracy Smith
Superintendent, Novato Unified School District
A white background with a subtle gradient.

Artificial Intelligence in Middle and High School

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a frequent topic in the news and in conversations about education. At NUSD, our priority remains student learning. We are approaching AI thoughtfully and cautiously, with a focus on developing students’ digital and AI literacy over time while making sure technology supports, not replaces, meaningful learning.

For our middle and high school students, our current approach includes:

  • Middle School: General AI chat tools are currently not available to students, including ChatGPT and Gemini. Teachers may pilot a limited number of district-approved educational programs that use AI for specific instructional purposes.
  • High School: Students have access to Google Gemini, which is part of NUSD’s Google Workspace environment, within established guidelines and teacher expectations. Other AI chat programs are blocked for students.
  • Clear Expectations for Assignments: NUSD has developed a 4-Tier AI Use Guide for Teachers & Students. Teachers can clearly communicate how AI may or may not be used on a particular assignment, including expectations for student disclosure when AI use is permitted.
  • Student Data Privacy: District-approved programs used with students must meet NUSD student data privacy requirements, including having a signed student data privacy agreement in place.
  • Collaborative Planning: NUSD is working with teachers, staff, and other Marin County school districts to gather input and develop guidance around AI in education. Our secondary technology committee will continue to review and update expectations and guidance for AI use in middle and high school and help determine how AI literacy should be incorporated into student learning.
  • AI and Digital Literacy: We will continue helping students learn to evaluate AI-generated information, recognize its limitations and potential bias, protect their privacy, and use these tools responsibly.

Families can also support these efforts by talking with students about when AI is appropriate to use, when it is not, and why students remain responsible for the accuracy and quality of their work. Common Sense Education offers a helpful Family AI Literacy Toolkit for these conversations.

Educator Workforce Housing

Board Study Session - October 20, 2026; 6:30 PM

On October 20, the NUSD Board of Trustees will review initial conceptual designs for education workforce housing at the Meadow Annex and San Andreas sites. We invite you to join the discussion and share your perspective as this work takes shape.

A little more than a year ago, the State Board of Education approved NUSD's waiver, giving the District local control over these properties' future. Since then, we have assembled a project team and begun preparing designs for both sites.
An aerial view of two different properties, outlined in red and yellow, with surrounding street names like Nave Dr and San Marin Dr highlighted in yellow.

Upcoming Board Meeting Topics: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

At our upcoming Board Meeting, we will be presenting:
  • Novato High School Presentation
  • Teaching and Learning Report
  • Budget Report: Restricted Contributions 
  • Hamilton 6-8 Transition - Equity Impact Analysis Review and Resolution
  • Sufficiency of Instructional Materials 2026/27
  • Actuarial Analysis of Retiree Health Benefits

Still want to play in the School Fuel Softball Tournament?

Information can be found here: www.novatoschoolfuel.org/events