La Joya ISD Advances Technology, Cybersecurity and Responsible Artificial Intelligence

La Joya ISD is strengthening its technology systems to provide students and staff with safer, more reliable tools while preparing the district for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The work is part of the district’s Achieving Excellence Together 2030 Strategic Plan Priority 5: Operational Excellence and Financial Stability and follows a comprehensive review of La Joya ISD’s technology environment that identified needs in cybersecurity, aging infrastructure, device management, data quality and internal processes.  

Since then, the district has made measurable progress, including:

• 70,000+ outdated or unused accounts deactivated, with student and employee accounts now managed automatically through district records. 

• 93% enrollment in multi-factor authentication, along with stronger backup, firewall and data protections. 

• 57% of student devices refreshed, supported by a four-year replacement cycle and an estimated $3 million annual investment. 

• 22 internal data dashboards created to provide district leaders with more reliable information for decision-making. 

“We first had to strengthen the foundation,” said Haissam Mayasi, La Joya ISD Chief Technology Officer. “Today, we have stronger security, more reliable systems and better processes in place. Now we can continue building technology that directly supports our students, teachers and schools.”

With that foundation in place, La Joya ISD is now establishing a responsible approach to artificial intelligence. The district is developing guidelines centered on student privacy and safety, academic integrity, instructional value and human judgment. Any future use of AI will be grounded in what matters most: supporting teachers, strengthening instruction, and deepening the relationships that help students succeed. 

The work has included employee input, with 17 staff members participating in collaborative focus groups and 220 employees providing feedback through a districtwide survey. The district is now developing AI guidelines, reviewing appropriate tools and preparing professional learning before implementation. 

For students and families, the district’s approach is clear: AI will support educators, not replace them. Student safety, privacy and data security will come first, and AI tools will be reviewed and approved before being introduced into classrooms. The district will move thoughtfully, providing training, listening to feedback and evaluating the impact of AI as it is implemented.

“Technology should make teaching and learning better, safer and easier,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marcey Sorensen. “We have strengthened the systems behind our classrooms, and now we are preparing our students and staff to use emerging technology responsibly and with purpose. Every investment we make must ultimately support better opportunities and outcomes for our students.”

For La Joya ISD, the next phase is not simply about adding more technology. It is about using technology intentionally to strengthen classrooms, support employees, protect district information and prepare students for the future.