AI Super Summit 1.0

1:25 PM-2:35 PM: Breakout Session Round 1

The AI Sandbox: Playing your way into the future of learning with AI

Presenters: Mike Yates and Sunanna Chand, Teach for American's Reinvention Lab

Outcome: We'll teach district leaders to meaningfully tinker with AI on the way to building a prototype AI chatbot or tool which solves a real problem in your work or for your district.

2:55 PM-4:05 PM: Breakout Session Round 2

Using AI for Lesson Planning and Personalized Assessments

Presenter: William Grube, Gruvy Education

Outcome: Attendees will learn to use AI for streamlined lesson planning and personalized assessments. They will discover how AI saves time while creating tailored learning experiences that meet individual student needs and enhance understanding.

Example: Use AI tools to generate differentiated lesson plans, assignments, and assessments. Learn to differentiate by crafting tailored prompts and by using student performance data.

1:25 PM-2:35 PM: Breakout Session Round 1

AI for Professional Learning

Presenter: Mary Catherine Reljac, Superintendent, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pa.

Outcome: Attendees will consider how to embed AI into professional learning within their organization. The session will explore AI-driven professional learning plans for educators and administrators to build skills and efficacy with AI tools and to shape instructional practices. The session will also explore opportunities to provide learning for support staff in the organization.

Example: AI-based professional learning plan for staff.

2:55 PM-4:05 PM: Breakout Session Round 2

Leveraging AI for Retention and Turnover Predictions

Presenter: Rhonda Vickers Beassie, JD, PhD, Associate VP for People and Procurement Operations, Sam Houston State University 

Outcome: Attendees will design an AI-powered tool to aid in predictive analysis of employee turnover. This session will guide participants through identifying the most helpful data and using AI to build a structure, analyze trends, detect key factors influencing turnover, and consider data-driven strategies to enhance retention.

Example: AI can provide predictive analytics tools to assess turnover risk and provide actionable insights to support tailored retention efforts.

1:25 PM-2:35 PM: Breakout Session Round 1

Unlocking the Power of AI for Financial Analysis: Budget Insights and Prompt Mastery

Presenter: Aziz Aghayev

Outcome: Attendees will explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can enhance financial analysis, specifically for interpreting budgets and YTD budget vs. actual reports. Through hands-on activities, we’ll demonstrate how AI can:

• Analyze financial data to identify trends and suggest actionable insights.
• Explain complex charts and data in clear, non-technical language.
• Evaluate uploaded budget documents for inefficiencies and improvements.

In the process, the focus will be on writing effective prompts, evaluating what makes a good or bad prompt, and creating shortcuts for reusable workflows. Prompt writing will be a key skill integrated into the financial AI analysis activities, helping participants maximize the value of AI tools.

Example: Uploading a PDF budget to Google Drive and using Google Gemini to analyze, evaluate, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

The primary focus remains on using AI to analyze district financials, while also equipping attendees with the skills to communicate effectively with AI systems through prompt writing.

2:55 PM-4:05 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 2

AI Budgeting: Crunching Numbers at the Speed of Thought

Presenter: Mary Ellen Normen, Retired School Business Official

Outcome: Attendees will explore AI budgeting tools and learn concrete strategies for evaluating and integrating these tools in their own district's budgeting processes. By the end of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how AI can improve budget predictions and enhance financial decision-making for school districts.

Example: Participants will receive a step-by-step guide on implementing an AI budgeting model, which includes identifying key financial indicators, data integration, and interpreting AI-generated insights to support strategic budget adjustments.

1:25 PM-2:35 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 1

AI in Communications, Community Engagement, and Crisis Management

Presenter: Fermin Leal, Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer, Santa Ana Unified School District, Calif.

Outcome: This session delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping communication strategies across educational and community settings. Attendees will explore practical ways to leverage AI for effective community engagement, routine messaging, and crisis communication. The session will cover essential AI tools and techniques that support personalized, responsive communication with diverse audiences.

Example: Attendees will learn how to implement AI to personalize communication with families across multiple languages, tailoring messages to address specific concerns or interests, and enhancing overall engagement.

2:55 PM-4:05 PM: Breakout Sessions Round 2

Understanding Stakeholder Sentiment: Using AI to Develop Targeted, Inclusive Communication Strategies

Presenter: Britney Gandhi, Superintendent, Richland #44 School District

Outcome: Participants will understand how to leverage AI-driven sentiment analysis and stakeholder insights to create communication strategies that resonate with diverse community groups.

Example: When announcing a new school boundary policy, AI can help identify specific regional concerns, allowing tailored messaging for each affected area.

1:25 PM - 2:35 PM Breakout Sessions Round 1

From Policy to Practice: Building a District-Wide AI Framework That Works

Presenters: Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Peninsula School District, Wash.; Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer, Peninsula School District, Wash.; & Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director of Advocacy & Governance, AASA

Join leaders from Peninsula School District, a national pioneer in K-12 AI implementation, as they share their journey in developing comprehensive AI guidance. Superintendent Krestin Bahr and CIO Kris Hagel will guide participants through the essential elements of creating robust AI policies that balance innovation with responsibility. Drawing from their experience as key contributors to the CoSN& CGCS AI Maturity Model and their district's widely-referenced AI principles and beliefs, they will provide practical strategies for: Crafting clear, actionable AI policies that reflect district values and priorities Implementing effective governance structures that support ethical AI adoption Developing practical guidelines for day-to-day AI integration across departments Building stakeholder trust through transparent communication and change management Establishing data privacy frameworks that protect student and staff interests Participants will leave with a draft AI policy framework, concrete implementation strategies, and access to real-world examples from a district that has successfully navigated the AI implementation journey. Whether you're just starting your AI policy development or looking to enhance existing guidelines, this session offers actionable insights from proven district leaders.

Hackathon Room: Creating Custom GPTs for District Needs

Presenter: Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools, N.D.

Attendees will develop a custom GPT that automates routine tasks in their district, such as lesson planning, grading, or administrative paperwork. This GPT will be shared on the ChatGPT marketplace for others in their district.

2:55 PM - 4:05 PM Breakout Session Round 2

Leading AI to Scale: Governance, Privacy, and Change Management Considerations

Presenters: Steven Langford, Chief Information Officer, Beaverton School District (Ore.); & Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director of Advocacy & Governance, AASA

Join us for an engaging and interactive strategy session on scaling Generative AI in your school system. We will explore the impacts of Generative AI applications on policies, practices, data privacy, and change management for students, staff and the operations of a school district. We will examine processes for creating authentic opportunities to involve students, staff, families, and the community in developing guidelines for AI usage. Participants will discuss and learn about Generative AI considerations affecting policy and practice, and the impact on software standardization and approval processes, with a focus on maintaining and protecting student and staff data. Through interactive table conversations and group activities, attendees will collaborate to identify challenges and develop practical solutions. Whether you are just beginning to scale Generative AI in your school system or are well underway with implementation, participants will leave with tools to continue leading AI initiatives effectively.

Hackathon Room: Creating Custom GPTs for District Needs

Presenter: Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools, N.D.

Attendees will develop a custom GPT that automates routine tasks in their district, such as lesson planning, grading, or administrative paperwork. This GPT will be shared on the ChatGPT marketplace for others in their district.

8:30 AM-9:40 AM: Breakout Session Round 3

Leveraging AI to Help Students Explore Post-High School Pathways

Presenters: Mike Yates and Sunanna Chand, Teach for American's Reinvention Lab

Outcome: Attendees will learn how AI tools can be used to guide students in discovering and pursuing their interests and goals after high school. The session will cover how AI-driven platforms can offer personalized career and academic advice, helping students identify potential future paths based on their skills and interests.

Example: AI-generated student profiles that suggest personalized post-high school career and education options, along with a roadmap to achieve those goals.

12:40 PM-1:55 PM: Breakout Session Round 4

Leveraging AI to Create AI-Resistant Assignments to Foster 21st Century Skills in Students

Presenter: William Grube, Gruvy Education

Outcome: Attendees will learn how to design AI-resistant assignments that promote deeper topic mastery and problem-solving skills in students. By understanding AI's limitations, we can create assignments that challenge students to think beyond what AI can do, fostering critical 21st-century skills essential for success in an AI-driven world.

Example: Redesign a traditional essay assignment into a project requiring students to collect local data, analyze it in context, and propose creative solutions. This multi-step assignment integrates personalized research, critical thinking, and collaboration, challenging students in ways that AI tools cannot replicate.

8:30 AM-9:40 AM: Breakout Session Round 3

Leveraging AI for Staff Retention

Presenter: Rhonda Vickers Beassie, JD, PhD, Associate VP for People and Procurement Operations, Sam Houston State University

Outcome: Attendees will design an AI-powered tool to aid in predictive analysis of employee turnover. This session will guide participants through identifying the most helpful data and using AI to build a structure, analyze trends, detect key factors influencing turnover, and consider data-driven strategies to enhance retention.

Example: AI can provide predictive analytics tools to assess turnover risk and provide actionable insights to support tailored retention efforts.

12:40 PM-1:55 PM: Breakout Session Round 4

“Crowdsourcing” AI for Professional Learning and Leadership

Presenter: Mary Catherine Reljac, Superintendent, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pa.

Outcome: Attendees will develop plans to “crowdsource” AI professional learning and leadership within their organization. The session will highlight guidelines and guardrails for staff and empathy interviews to better understand the needs of the community. Attendees will explore structures for building leadership throughout their workforce and ways to advance AI knowledge in collaboration with educators, staff, students, board members, and community members.

Example: Professional learning structures that support AI and are poised to respond to opportunities and challenges.

8:30 AM-9:40 AM: Breakout Session Round 3

Unlocking the Power of AI for Financial Analysis: Budget Insights and Prompt Mastery

Presenter: Aziz Aghayev

Outcome: Attendees will explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini can enhance financial analysis, specifically for interpreting budgets and YTD budget vs. actual reports. Through hands-on activities, we’ll demonstrate how AI can:

• Analyze financial data to identify trends and suggest actionable insights.
• Explain complex charts and data in clear, non-technical language.
• Evaluate uploaded budget documents for inefficiencies and improvements.

In the process, the focus will be on writing effective prompts, evaluating what makes a good or bad prompt, and creating shortcuts for reusable workflows. Prompt writing will be a key skill integrated into the financial AI analysis activities, helping participants maximize the value of AI tools.

Example: Uploading a PDF budget to Google Drive and using Google Gemini to analyze, evaluate, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

The primary focus remains on using AI to analyze district financials, while also equipping attendees with the skills to communicate effectively with AI systems through prompt writing.

12:40 PM-1:55 PM: Breakout Session Round 4

AI Budgeting: Crunching Numbers at the Speed of Thought

Presenter: Mary Ellen Normen, Retired School Business Official

Outcome: Attendees will explore AI budgeting tools and learn concrete strategies for evaluating and integrating these tools in their own district's budgeting processes. By the end of the session, participants will gain a clear understanding of how AI can improve budget predictions and enhance financial decision-making for school districts.

Example: Participants will receive a step-by-step guide on implementing an AI budgeting model, which includes identifying key financial indicators, data integration, and interpreting AI-generated insights to support strategic budget adjustments.

8:30 AM-9:40 AM: Breakout Session Round 3

AI in Communications, Community Engagement, and Crisis Management

Presenter: Fermin Leal, Chief Communications and Community Relations Officer, Santa Ana Unified School District, Calif.

Outcome: Create a real-time AI-driven emergency response communication system.

Example: Use AI to personalize communication with families across multiple languages, addressing their specific concerns or interests, enhancing engagement.

12:40 PM-1:55 PM: Breakout Session Round 4

AI-Enhanced Crisis Response and Real-Time Feedback: Building Trust in School District Communications

Presenter: Britney Gandhi, Superintendent, Richland #44 School District

Outcome: Participants will gain actionable skills for responding to stakeholder feedback in real time and adjusting messages dynamically to build trust and address community concerns effectively.

Example: During an unexpected school closure, AI can monitor real-time feedback on social media, helping leaders craft a follow-up message that addresses common concerns.

8:30 AM - 9:40 AM Breakout Session Round 3

Leading AI to Scale: Governance, Privacy, and Change Management Considerations

Presenters: Steven Langford, Chief Information Officer, Beaverton School District (Ore.); & Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director of Advocacy & Governance, AASA

Join us for an engaging and interactive strategy session on scaling Generative AI in your school system. We will explore the impacts of Generative AI applications on policies, practices, data privacy, and change management for students, staff and the operations of a school district. We will examine processes for creating authentic opportunities to involve students, staff, families, and the community in developing guidelines for AI usage. Participants will discuss and learn about Generative AI considerations affecting policy and practice, and the impact on software standardization and approval processes, with a focus on maintaining and protecting student and staff data. Through interactive table conversations and group activities, attendees will collaborate to identify challenges and develop practical solutions. Whether you are just beginning to scale Generative AI in your school system or are well underway with implementation, participants will leave with tools to continue leading AI initiatives effectively.

12:40 PM - 1:55 PM Breakout Session Round 4

From Policy to Practice: Building a District-Wide AI Framework That Works

Presenters: Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Peninsula School District, Wash.; Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer, Peninsula School District, Wash.; & Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director of Advocacy & Governance, AASA

Join leaders from Peninsula School District, a national pioneer in K-12 AI implementation, as they share their journey in developing comprehensive AI guidance. Superintendent Krestin Bahr and CIO Kris Hagel will guide participants through the essential elements of creating robust AI policies that balance innovation with responsibility. Drawing from their experience as key contributors to the CoSN& CGCS AI Maturity Model and their district's widely-referenced AI principles and beliefs, they will provide practical strategies for: Crafting clear, actionable AI policies that reflect district values and priorities Implementing effective governance structures that support ethical AI adoption Developing practical guidelines for day-to-day AI integration across departments Building stakeholder trust through transparent communication and change management Establishing data privacy frameworks that protect student and staff interests Participants will leave with a draft AI policy framework, concrete implementation strategies, and access to real-world examples from a district that has successfully navigated the AI implementation journey. Whether you're just starting your AI policy development or looking to enhance existing guidelines, this session offers actionable insights from proven district leaders.

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM: AI Spark Sessions

Innovation in Education: The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Presenters: Diana Hughes, Vice President of Innovation and AI, Age of Learning; Jackie Pons, Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools (Fla.)

Come learn how AI-enhanced game-based learning drove measurable academic improvement in a struggling district. You'll gain practical frameworks for evaluating and implementing personalized learning technology, focusing on student engagement, equity and measurable outcomes. Through a real district transformation case study, you'll explore specific implementation strategies, success metrics, and essential considerations for leveraging game-based AI systems to boost student achievement, including practical assessment tools and change management approaches! 

Implementing AI in K-12: Practical Strategies, Lessons Learned and What’s to Come

Presenters: Steven Butschi, Director of Education, North America at Google; Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Peninsula School District; Alex Mayszak, Director of Digital Learning & Innovation, East Moline School District 37; Dr. Kristin Humphries, Superintendent, East Moline School District 37; Jonathan Cooper, Superintendent, Mason City Schools; Dan Little, Learning Experience Designer, Mason City Schools

Ever since the release of generative AI tools, the speed of innovation has continued at a quick pace. From using AI to generate text to now multi-modal properties like voice, image and videos, the potential use cases in education are exciting. But, there are also concerns about academic integrity, bias, cost, and more. Join this session to hear from district leaders on how they’re developing their AI policies and the lessons they’ve learned thus far, and stay in the ‘know’ by hearing what generative AI tools Google is developing and customizing for education, including Gemini for Classroom and NotebookLM.

Unlocking the Potential of AI in Education: A Deep Dive into Data Security, Teacher Implementation, and Student Impact

Presenters: Nadia Combs, Hillsborough County School Board; Lauren Petrea, Professional Development Manager, MagicSchool; Tabitha Branun, Superintendent, Richardson Independent School District; Jamie Wilson, Superintendent Emeritus, Denton Independent School District

The session will delve into the exciting possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in public education. We'll discuss the importance of robust data security measures to safeguard student privacy and the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. We will explore practical strategies for teachers to effectively integrate AI tools into their classrooms, enhancing personalized learning experiences and streamlining administrative tasks. Additionally, we'll examine the potential impact of AI on students, including both benefits like personalized tutoring and risks like overreliance on technology. Finally, we'll discuss the future of AI in education, highlighting emerging trends, best practices, and the need for ongoing collaboration between educators, policymakers, and technology experts.

AI Ethics and Policy: The Next Steps to Impact Student Engagement, Achievement, and Learning Outcomes

Presenters: Russell Dyer, Superintendent, Collierville Schools (Tenn.), Dave MacLeod, CEO and Co-Founder, ThoughtExchange, 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to revolutionize how districts engage with their communities and impact student success. Drawing from a year of insights gained through leading panel discussions with civic leaders on AI and learnings from the initiatives like NYC’s AI action plan and the Council of the Great City Schools AI Readiness Checklist, this session offers a forward-looking exploration of AI's impact on K-12 education. We will share the challenges and best practices from districts across the US, offering real-world perspectives on how districts are navigating AI implementation. Together, we’ll explore ethical frameworks, policy considerations, and actionable strategies to ensure AI is implemented responsibly and inclusively. This session will equip you with:

• Practical examples of how districts are using AI to build trust and foster meaningful engagement across their communities.
• Valuable strategies to approach AI responsibly and foster a more inclusive environment.
• Real-world examples of how districts are successfully implementing AI to enhance student engagement, achievement, and learning outcomes.

Whether you’re taking the first steps or advancing your district’s AI strategy, this session will provide actionable insights and proven strategies to lead effectively in the age of AI.

Utilizing AI to Improve Academic Achievement and Enhancing Safety and Security

Presenters: Spencer Anderson, Regional Vice President of Sales, Audio Enhancement; Zack Loder, Vice President of Software, Audio Enhancement; Kenneth Dyer, Superintendent of Dougherty County Schools (Ga.)

Come explore and learn how the next generation of educational technology is here and being driven by artificial intelligence. We will discuss how to leverage AI while utilizing existing hardware and infrastructure to improve the learning environment, and safety and security for all within our schools.

Reshaping Math Education with Data and AI

Presenters: Karl Francel, Education Expert, Magma Math; Greg Hall, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education at Florence 1 Schools; Chad Shilstone, Education Executive, Magma Math

Much of the attention about AI and education has been focused on literacy. But how can AI and data be used to enhance instruction, personalize learning, and improve achievement in math? In this session, you'll discover how Florence 1 Schools (SC) is partnering with Magma Math to leverage AI and data to empower teachers, close learning gaps, and create engaging math environments that drive student achievement.

Hackathon Room: Creating Custom GPTs for District Needs

Presenter: Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools, N.D.

Attendees will develop a custom GPT that automates routine tasks in their district, such as lesson planning, grading, or administrative paperwork. This GPT will be shared on the ChatGPT marketplace for others in their district.