Name: K-12 School District Leadership AI Summit - Los Angeles County 2026
Start: 2026-11-13T08:00
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Norwalk

Overview

Connecting LA County’s K-12 Leaders to Shape AI Strategy

The K-12 School District Leadership AI Summit in Los Angeles County is a high-impact, one-day event designed for superintendents, CIOs, and district leaders ready to shape how AI supports student success. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative planning, and peer networking, attendees will explore how to responsibly integrate AI into decision-making, professional learning, privacy practices, and equity initiatives. With its local and intimate format, the summit provides practical tools and real-world insights to help education leaders develop AI literacy, align innovation with their mission, and take the lead in guiding their districts into the future.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Debby Berman

Vice President, Education and Advocacy, Jewish Federation Los Angeles

Debby Berman leads Jewish Federation Los Angeles’ education and advocacy initiatives spanning K-12 and higher education. She builds and sustains relationships with educators, school and district leaders, and campus partners; convenes stakeholders around shared challenges; and develops partnerships and educational opportunities that advance Jewish inclusion, deepen understanding of and thoughtful engagement with Israel, and support Jewish students, educators, and faculty.
Since joining JFEDLA in 2022, Debby has significantly expanded the Federation’s engagement with the education community. Her work led to the launch of ESResources.org, which provides resources supporting inclusive Ethnic Studies; JFEDLA’s annual Education Leaders Summit, now a model for Federations nationwide; and new initiatives bringing Jewish American Heritage Month into schools. She also oversees the Holy Land Democracy Project, a longstanding immersive Israel education program for educators.
Debby has worked as an English and humanities instructor, learning specialist, and K-12 curriculum writer. She is an inaugural member of George Washington University’s Collaboratory Network for Jewish Identity & History in K–12 Education and a graduate of Spertus Institute’s Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism for Professionals. She earned a B.A. from UCLA, an M.A. in Teaching from Occidental College, and holds a California Clear Teaching Credential.

Taylor Brunelle

Account Executive, Siteimprove 

Taylor Brunelle is an Account Executive at Siteimprove with eight years of experience in the digital accessibility technology industry. Throughout his career, he has partnered with school districts and educational organizations to help them leverage technology to improve digital accessibility, strengthen governance, and build more inclusive digital experiences. His work focuses on bridging the gap between where organizations are today and where they want to be, helping them turn evolving accessibility requirements and emerging technologies into sustainable, long-term strategies. With a growing emphasis on AI readiness, Taylor is passionate about helping educational institutions navigate the intersection of accessibility, digital governance, and innovation.

Marvin Cruz

Vice President, CGI  

Marvin Cruz is a Vice President at CGI and a seasoned technology executive with more than 20 years of experience leading large-scale technology initiatives across the education sector. Before joining CGI, Marvin served as Deputy CIO for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the United States, where he was responsible for IT systems and applications supporting 575,000 students and 73,000 educators and staff across more than 1,400 schools.
Marvin has spent more than two decades working in education and brings deep firsthand knowledge of the technology challenges facing K–12 organizations. His experience spans strategic planning, digital transformation, large-scale technology initiatives, and building high-performing teams, with a consistent focus on business and economic value.
At CGI, Marvin continues to work with education organizations to identify practical, cost-effective approaches to technology modernization. He is particularly passionate about helping school districts navigate digital transformation while keeping their focus where it belongs: on students, educators, and student achievement.
As a speaker on K–12 AI and digital transformation, Marvin offers a practical perspective on how emerging technologies can be applied thoughtfully and responsibly in school systems, particularly in environments where resources are limited and the pressure to do more with technology continues to grow.

Andy Maclsaac

Solutions Marketing, Government and Education, Laserfiche  

Andy MacIsaac is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with over 25 years of experience shaping go-to-market strategies, brand development, and audience engagement across SaaS, public sector, and higher education industries. With deep expertise in industry marketing, integrated campaigns, and sales enablement, he has led global teams at top tech firms, including Laserfiche, Alteryx, Accenture, and IBM. Passionate about the power of technology, Andy thrives on collaborating with government and education leaders to drive innovation and accelerate mission outcomes.

Kareem Menjivar

Mathematics Teacher, Garvey Intermediate School 

Kareem Menjivar has 17 years of experience as a math educator who has taught middle and high school mathematics across multiple school districts, including Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, Montebello Unified School District, and currently Garvey Elementary School District.
He holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to finding meaningful ways to make mathematics more accessible and engaging to all students.
As an educator, he views AI as a valuable resource for both teachers and students. He incorporates AI into lesson planning, developing purposeful guided questions, and collaborating on instructional ideas to strengthen classroom instruction. He also believes AI’s potential to provide students with more personalized learning experiences.

Dr. Stephen Nellman

Superintendent, Centinela Valley Union High School District  

Dr. Stephen Nellman is the Superintendent of Centinela Valley Union High School District in Los Angeles County, California. With over 25 years of experience spanning classroom instruction, educational technology, and district leadership, he has a longstanding passion for technology and its evolving role in education. Throughout his career, he has championed emerging technologies, from early learning management systems and cloud-based platforms to artificial intelligence.
Recognizing the opportunities and challenges of AI, Dr. Nellman launched a Superintendent's AI Stakeholder Engagement Series, engaging students, educators, parents, and community members in shaping district AI policy. His approach emphasizes collaboration, responsible innovation, and the importance of developing flexible guidelines that evolve alongside technology and community expectations.
A U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Nellman holds degrees from UC San Diego, UCLA, and USC. Outside of work, he tries to keep up with his tech-savvy daughter by struggling with Arduino programming, building circuits, and experimenting with 3D printing.

Sarah Nitsos

Coordinator, Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Los Angeles County Office of Education  

Sarah Nitsos brings more than 25 years of experience in education, having served in roles spanning from paraprofessional and classroom teacher to school principal, district leader, and now Coordinator of Assessment in Curriculum and Instruction at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. 
Passionate about supporting educators, Sarah enjoys turning complex ideas into practical, sustainable strategies that build upon what teachers already do well. She sees AI as a powerful thought partner that can spark creativity, strengthen instructional planning, and help educators respond more effectively to student needs, while keeping teacher expertise and judgment at the forefront.
Sarah believes meaningful innovation isn't about chasing the next shiny thing. It's about making great teaching even better. Outside of education, she enjoys coaching her local high school archery team and spending time with her family.

Dr. Joan Perez

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, San Gabriel Unified 

Dr. Joan Perez is a forward-thinking educational leader dedicated to reimagining K–12 education through innovation, empathy, and human-centered leadership. As Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for San Gabriel Unified School District, she champions transformative approaches to teaching and learning that empower students and educators to flourish in a rapidly evolving world.
A co-founder of the Human-Centered Leadership (HCL) Series, Dr. Perez brings educational leaders together to explore design thinking, artificial intelligence, and innovative practices that move bold ideas into meaningful action. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between vision and practice, advancing AI and digital literacy, and creating learning environments where student voice, agency, and future-ready competencies are at the center.
With a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Perez is passionate about cultivating courageous, collaborative leaders who embrace change, lead with empathy, and shape the future of education with purpose and impact.

Juliz Ramirez

District EdTech TOSA, Centinela Valley Union High School District 

Juliz Ramirez is a District EdTech Specialist (TOSA) supporting four high schools in the Centinela Valley Union High School District. She began her career in 2015 as a biology teacher before transitioning into EdTech Leadership. In addition to co-developing the district’s AI Pioneers Program and leading comprehensive professional learning programs, Juliz works directly with teachers, providing both technical support (troubleshooting, tech issues, etc.) and instructional coaching (co-planning, co-teaching, learning walks, etc.). Previous presentations outside of her district include: "Boosting ELPAC Success: Leveraging AI in the ELD Classroom" (CUE 2026), "AI-Powered Support for English Learners" (CABE Regional 2026), "Smarter Scaffolding: AI-Powered Support for Students" (LACOE Webinar).

Tom Ryan

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Tom Ryan has recently retired from Santa Fe Public Schools, in New Mexico, as Chief Information and Strategy Officer. He has co-founded, K12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group, to assist district leaders deliver educational success with technology, which is led by experienced school technology leaders. He has expertise in strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews.
Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. He has served as CIO in large and very large public-school districts and has 40+ years of experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology integration and blended/online learning program development.  K-12
He is past chair in CoSN and works with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) performing large school district reviews and helps coordinate annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several international and national conferences throughout the year.

Grant Stevens

Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement, Jewish Federation Los Angeles

Grant Stevens works with public, independent, and faith-based school educators to bring rich, thoughtful learning about Israel, Jewish identity, and Jewish history into the classroom. At Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Grant designs professional learning and immersive experiences to support educators in understanding and addressing complex topics with confidence, care, and curiosity.
Grant leads the Holy Land Democracy Project, an annual educational delegation to Israel with learning centered on democracy, education innovation, pluralism, and the many people and perspectives that shape Israel and the region. Grant prepares each cohort through pre-trip trainings, keeps alumni engaged through ongoing programming, and develops local and virtual learning opportunities. Grant also helps plan and deliver the Federation’s annual Education Leaders Summit, which brings educators and school leaders together for professional learning and dialogue. In addition, Grant supports the Federation’s Perspective series, a panel discussion program for the Los Angeles community.
Grant holds an M.A. from Harvard University and an M.A. from Tel Aviv University.

Steve Towns

Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Steve is vice president of content strategy for e.Republic, parent company of Government Technology and the Center for Digital Government. He is the former editor of Government Technology and has spent more than 25 years covering technology in the state and local government market.
Steve joined e.Republic in 1996. During his tenure, e.Republic’s print and electronic media have received many awards for editorial excellence, including “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Emergency Management in 2013, “Best New Web Site” from ASBPE for emergencymgmt.com in 2009, ”Best Overall Publication” at the Maggie awards for Government Technology in 2008 and “Magazine of the Year” from ASBPE for Public CIO in 2007.

Friday, November 13
8:00 am Pacific	Registration and Continental Breakfast Vineyard Foyer
8:30 am Pacific	Welcome and Opening Remarks Cabernet/Merlot Dr. Ruth Pérez, Deputy Superintendent of Educational Programs and Services, Los Angeles County Office of Education
9:00 am Pacific	Love It or Hate It:The Great AI Debate Cabernet/Merlot This interactive fishbowl discussion will explore questions generating debate in education, including student AI use, screen time, academic integrity, privacy, teacher use of AI, and the role of human interaction. A facilitator and an initial group of panelists will open the conversation. An open chair will allow audience members to join for a couple of minutes, contribute a perspective or question, and then give up their seat so others can participate. Attendees will hear differing viewpoints and connect the discussion to decisions facing their districts. Steve Towns, Vice President and Content Strategy, e.Republic Tom Ryan, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education
9:45 am Pacific	Break
10:00 am Pacific	Industry Spotlight Cabernet/Merlot This session will highlight ways in which the technology industry is supporting educational leaders and school districts in meeting today’s challenges and opportunities. Taylor Brunelle, Account Executive, Siteimprove Marvin Cruz, Vice President, CGI
10:30 am Pacific	Lessons Learned from the Field: Creating Guidelines and Policy Cabernet/Merlot As AI continues to evolve, districts are learning that their policies and guidelines must evolve with it. This panel brings together leaders who established AI guidance early alongside those developing policies today to explore what shaped their approach, what they’ve learned, and what they’ve revised along the way. Panelists will share how they are responding to emerging challenges while balancing innovation with security, equity, academic integrity, and human oversight and offer practical insights districts can apply as they develop or refine their own AI guidelines. Moderator: Steve Towns, Vice President and Content Strategy, e.Republic Dr. Stephen Nellman, Superintendent, Centinela Valley Union High School District Dr. Joan Perez, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, San Gabriel Unified Andrew Rutz, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology, Norwalk La-Mirada Unified School District
11:30 am Pacific	Lunch and Networking Cabernet/Merlot
12:30 pm Pacific	AI in Service of Learning Cabernet/Merlot This session will examine AI through the lens of teaching and learning. Examples from subjects such as math and science will show how AI may help students understand difficult concepts, engage with content, receive feedback, and demonstrate learning. The conversation will connect these uses to instructional goals and the role of teacher judgment. Moderator: Tom Ryan, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education Kareem Menjivar, Mathematics Teacher, Garvey Intermediate School Sarah Nitsos, Coordinator, Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Los Angeles County Office of Education Juliz Ramirez, District EdTech TOSA, Centinela Valley Union High School District
1:15 pm Pacific	Industry Spotlight Cabernet/Merlot This session will highlight ways in which the technology industry is supporting educational leaders and school districts in meeting today’s challenges and opportunities. Andy Maclsaac, Solutions Marketing, Government and Education, Laserfiche
1:30 pm Pacific	Break
1:45 pm Pacific	Leading with Purpose: From Problems of Practice and Where AI Fits Workshop Cabernet/Merlot Before asking what AI can do, districts need to be clear about the problems they are trying to solve. This interactive 90-minute working session will bring district leaders together to examine real problems of practice, consider the data and priorities behind them, and explore how current strategies and investments are addressing those challenges. Through facilitated discussion and cross-district collaboration, participants will consider where new approaches, including AI, could make a meaningful difference, where they may not, and what successful outcomes should look like. Moderator: Tom Ryan, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education
3:15 pm Pacific	Wrap Up and Closing Remarks Cabernet/Merlot Debby Berman, Vice President, Education and Advocacy, Jewish Federation Los Angeles Grant Stevens, Assistant Director, Educational Initiatives and Engagement, Jewish Federation Los Angeles
3:30 pm Pacific	End of Summit Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Norwalk

13111 Sycamore Drive
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 863-5555

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DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Norwalk

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 13, 2026

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Contact Information

Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

Lauren Schoenberger
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1408
E-mail: lschoenberger@erepublic.com

Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

Mireya Gaton
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

Heather Earney
Center for Digital Education
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

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K-12 School District Leadership AI Summit - Los Angeles County 2026

Overview

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Debby Berman

Vice President, Education and Advocacy, Jewish Federation Los Angeles

Taylor Brunelle

Account Executive, Siteimprove

Marvin Cruz

Vice President, CGI

Andy Maclsaac

Solutions Marketing, Government and Education, Laserfiche

Kareem Menjivar

Mathematics Teacher, Garvey Intermediate School

Dr. Stephen Nellman

Superintendent, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Sarah Nitsos

Coordinator, Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Joan Perez

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, San Gabriel Unified

Juliz Ramirez

District EdTech TOSA, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Tom Ryan

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Grant Stevens

Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives and Engagement, Jewish Federation Los Angeles

Steve Towns

Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Agenda

Friday, November 13

8:00 am Pacific

Registration and Continental Breakfast

Vineyard Foyer

8:30 am Pacific

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Cabernet/Merlot

9:00 am Pacific

Love It or Hate It:The Great AI Debate

Cabernet/Merlot

9:45 am Pacific

Break

10:00 am Pacific

Industry Spotlight

Cabernet/Merlot

10:30 am Pacific

Lessons Learned from the Field: Creating Guidelines and Policy

Cabernet/Merlot

11:30 am Pacific

Lunch and Networking

Cabernet/Merlot

12:30 pm Pacific

AI in Service of Learning

Cabernet/Merlot

1:15 pm Pacific

Industry Spotlight

Cabernet/Merlot

1:30 pm Pacific

Break

1:45 pm Pacific

Leading with Purpose: From Problems of Practice and Where AI Fits Workshop

Cabernet/Merlot

3:15 pm Pacific

Wrap Up and Closing Remarks

Cabernet/Merlot

3:30 pm Pacific

End of Summit

DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Norwalk

Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: November 13, 2026

Contact Information

Venue

DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles-Norwalk

Show Hotel & Parking

Room Block

Map and Directions

Event Parking

Attire

Account Executive, Siteimprove 

Vice President, CGI  

Solutions Marketing, Government and Education, Laserfiche  

Mathematics Teacher, Garvey Intermediate School 

Superintendent, Centinela Valley Union High School District  

Coordinator, Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Los Angeles County Office of Education  

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, San Gabriel Unified 

District EdTech TOSA, Centinela Valley Union High School District 