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Thoughtful & Deliberate: School leaders chart next steps for AI in K-12
By Daveen Rae Kurutz
After months of hands-on research, districts across Western Pennsylvania are shifting their focus from exploration to execution.
Over the first half of 2025, 20 school districts participated in the AI Fellows program, engaging educators in action research to examine how artificial intelligence can be introduced ethically, equitably, and effectively into classrooms. Now, with support from administrators, those ideas are being shaped into policies, pilot programs, and long-term plans for sustainable implementation.
As AI continues to reshape industries, workforce demands, and even the nature of information itself, school leaders are navigating a complex landscape—balancing innovation with caution as they consider how, when, and where to introduce these tools into the classroom.
At Elizabeth Forward High School, Principal Kelli Garlow said relevance has been key to engaging teachers. “ Teachers are more likely to use AI with their students when the tools are specific to their content area,” she said. Her team required teachers to design AI-integrated lessons based on professional development sessions, with plans to observe and evaluate the lessons next school year. The reflections gathered from that process will help shape the district’s next phase of implementation.
Other districts, such as Quaker Valley and Hampton Township, are working to formalize their learning by integrating it into district policies, training, and tools.
“We need to be really thoughtful and deliberate in how we implement AI in schools,” said Brett Slezak, Director of Innovation at Quaker Valley.
Hampton’s assistant superintendent, Jackie Removcik, said the district is developing its own AI guidebook and asynchronous training modules tailored to different grade levels. “It will be difficult to stay on topic… when this landscape is changing so rapidly,” she said.
Recognizing the wide range of teacher readiness, districts are working to meet educators where they are. At South Fayette Township School District, Director of Curriculum Cristine Wagner-Deitch described a noticeable divide between early adopters and educators more hesitant to experiment. To bridge that gap, the district is developing clearer AI guidelines and launching educator study groups. Other districts, including Clairton City, are expanding professional development to support broader instructional integration across all subject areas.
Some districts are exploring how AI can support early academic interventions. Eloise Milligan, former academic services coordinator at Shaler Area, outlined a multi-phase plan to pilot AI tools for early math intervention in grades K–2. But she also identified barriers— including young students’ limited digital fluency, infrastructure gaps, and the need for a shared district vision.
Across districts, equity and ethics emerged as consistent priorities. At Cornell, Director of Technology & Instructional Innovation Kris Hupp emphasized the importance of direct student instruction in AI literacy, while others underscored the need to model ethical practices.
At Montour School District, those priorities are already shaping classroom conversations. Social studies teacher Nathan Galiyas found that when students discussed ethical considerations, they became more reflective about how they used AI tools. Montour plans to expand AI use across disciplines and introduce new course offerings shaped by the technology, said Assistant Superintendent Eric Sparkenbaugh —further underscoring the need for intentional, responsible use.
Data privacy and regulatory concerns also loom large. Under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), for example, students under age 13 require parental consent before digital platforms can collect personal data.
School leaders agreed success depends on owning professional learning, careful tool selection, and sustainable models for classrooms. Thoughtful and deliberate implementation isn’t just a goal — it’s the foundation for responsible innovation.
Read more about the AI Fellows Program:
