37 A division-wide awareness campaign, “We Are All Data Stewards,” reinforces the expectation that all staff share responsibility for protecting data and using it appropriately in their daily work. This focus on shared responsibility reflects a broader shift away from viewing data governance as a technical issue and toward understanding it as a collective practice embedded in how the organization operates. Leaders say this approach helps maintain trust with families and ensures compliance with privacy requirements while supporting effective decision-making. A key component of LRSD’s strategy is the development of AI tools within its own secure environment, rather than relying on public platforms. One example is CLARA, a report card comment-writing assistant for Grades 9 to 12 teachers. The tool is designed to reduce administrative workload while maintaining professional quality and safeguarding student information. By keeping the tool within the division’s systems, student data remains protected and aligned with provincial guidelines and LRSD standards. Early pilot results indicate that teachers are finding the tool both efficient and helpful in producing consistent, high- quality feedback. “I was able to have all my report card comments for four classes reviewed in about an hour — which felt like a small miracle,” one teacher said. LRSD’s approach has also gained attention outside the division, including recognition from organizations such as Dell Technologies and C21 Canada, which have identified the work as a national case study. Leaders say the recognition reflects the division’s decision to link AI development directly to governance, rather than treating them as separate initiatives. While many organizations focus on the rapid adoption of AI tools, LRSD has emphasized building a sustainable foundation first. “Everyone’s worried about the AI sprint, and we are worried about the governance marathon,” Wilson said. The division is also taking a measured approach to how AI is introduced to staff. Rather than mandating classroom use, LRSD is focusing on building understanding and confidence among educators, allowing them to explore the technology within their professional roles while learning about its limitations and ethical considerations. This work aligns with LRSD’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, particularly Information Literacy (Strategic Action 3.3), as the division supports staff and students in developing the skills needed to engage critically and responsibly with emerging technologies. Looking ahead, LRSD will continue to expand staff training, refine policies and build its internal network of data leaders. While much of the work remains behind the scenes, division leaders say it is essential to maintaining the safety, trust and integrity required to use both data and AI effectively. “It’s unglamorous, most of it,” Wilson said. “But it is how we earn the right to call ourselves a data-informed school division — and mean it.” 01 02 L’IA d’entreprise, c’est la protection et la sécurité — pas comme les outils d’IA publics. Copilot est notre bac à sable (environnement de test) approuvé. Les murs sont intégrés — le sable reste dedans. 04 xpertise mène. utils la soutiennent. Tu n’es pas seul — le DSLR a un groupe de gouvernance des données La sécurité des données, c’est l’affaire de tous. s tous nées s. Toi, comme tout le personnel du DSLR, tu es responsable de: données exactes confidentialité et sécurité utilisation appropriée et éthique ité nnées. Copilot rdent les n securité Microsoft Copilot: le seul outil d’IA approuvé du DSLR Copilot est là pour le travail qui fait déjà partie de ton rôle. Ça enlève du poids pour que tu te concentres sur ta communauté. La réflexion, les décisions et la responsabilité restent entre tes mains — toujours. Un agent, c’est Copilot, conçu pour une tâche précise. Le DSLR crée ses propres agents Copilot, avec valeurs, permissions et protections intégrées. C’est la gouvernance en action — pas seulement sur papier. Tu es soutenu par un groupe qui garde ce travail clair et sécuritaire. Ils s’occupent des cadres, des lignes directrices et de la sécurité —pour que tu n’aies pas à deviner ce qui est permis ou non. Ils aident aussi tout le monde à bien utiliser les données et l’IA. ...et moi, c’est Donnie, gardien des données 01 02 03 05 Enterprise AI means protection and security—unlike public AI tools. Copilot is our approved sandbox. The walls are built in —the sand stays in the box. 04 Your expertise leads. These tools support it. You’re not on your own — LRSD has a Data Governance Working Group Safe data use is everyone’s responsibility We are all Data Stewards We all use data as part of our work. That data represents real students and real lives. You, and all LRSD staff, are responsible for: maintaining accurate data. keeping data private & secure. using data appropriately & ethically. That’s why using it safely matters. That’s data governance. LRSD-created Copilot agents help keep data safe. Microsoft Copilot is LRSD's only approved AI tool You can use Copilot for work that’s already part of your role. It can help lighten the load so you can focus on your community. The thinking, decisions, and responsibility stay with you— always. An agent is Copilot, set up to do one specific job. LRSD builds its own Copilot agents, with values, permissions, and safeguards built right in. That’s governance in action—not just policy on paper. You’re supported by a group that keeps this work clear and safe. They handle frameworks, guidelines, and security, so you don’t have to guess what’s OK and what isn’t. They also work to help everyone learn how to use data and AI well. ...and I’m Data Stewart. Wait, why are you groaning?
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