Gateway SD to pilot controlled AI tutoring platform after Hillman Foundation funding

The Gateway School District on March 17 heard a presentation about the district's participation in a regional artificial-intelligence fellowship and plans to pilot a controlled AI tutoring platform called SchoolAI.

Troy Ullivit, the district's technology coach, told the school board the fellowship — funded by the Henry Hillman Foundation — connects about 20 neighboring districts and gave Gateway resources to attend a large AI conference in Austin. "So, yeah, I am blessed to be part of this fellowship," Ullivit said, and described a two-month pilot that could begin as early as next week.

Ullivit said the district will pilot SchoolAI, a platform that lets teachers create a controlled bot-space where teachers tune the bot's scope and monitor student conversations in real time. "The teacher could see every one of their conversations in real time," Ullivit said, adding the system can flag off-task behavior and support differentiated instruction. He also said many AI tools include translation features useful for English-language-learner students.

The pilot will run on a limited budget the district allocated to participation: Ullivit said approximately $1,000 covers a paid pilot arrangement and the district expects to run the pilot for about two months so it can report results back to the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s AI network in May. Ullivit described two license figures during the presentation: a free edition that can cover up to about 75 students and a paid pilot offering roughly 50 teacher licenses; the district intends to secure roughly 50 educator licenses if possible. "There's a free edition of this... but there's a limit — they can only do this with 75 students," Ullivit said. "The unlimited version... we are piloting... 50 licenses." (Quotes as spoken by Ullivit.)

Board members asked about possible projects for students using AI. Board member John Ritter suggested students might generate community-focused questions or research about the future of Monroeville Mall, and Ullivit recommended a prompt-development strategy: "Ask 10. Have the prompt ask you 10 questions... ask me two questions on how to make this prompt better," Ullivit said, describing a technique he learned from AIU colleagues to refine prompts.

Ullivit said the district is approaching the pilot cautiously. "Student security and safety is number 1," he said, noting the district will limit data sources and choose a secure vendor. He also said the district will present demonstration videos and early findings at the AIU.

The presentation concluded with board members signing up teachers via a Google form; Ullivit said many high‑school teachers indicated interest during the staff briefing held earlier the same day. He said results and examples would be returned to the AIU in May as part of the fellowship reporting cycle.

The board did not take a formal vote on the pilot at the March 17 study session; Ullivit said the pilot was in the sign‑up and procurement stage.