Centennial SD superintendent: district to testify before state committee; outlines AI education strategy and immigration/FERPA stance

Centennial School District Superintendent Dr. Benton told the board Tuesday that he and district staff were invited to testify before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee and that the district will serve on a state advisory committee on artificial intelligence in education.

The district, Benton said, was selected in part because its student-demographic mix differs from many wealthier districts and because the district has pursued a cautious but proactive approach to classroom uses of artificial intelligence. Benton said the district has emphasized “goals and guardrails” rather than adopting AI tools recklessly and that, this past year, seventh‑ through 12th‑grade students were offered exposure to an AI ethics course and an assessment to teach ethical use of AI.

Nut graf: The superintendent framed these developments as evidence the district is both a model for some state policymakers and attentive to evolving classroom technology, while also emphasizing compliance with federal and state student‑privacy and immigration precedents.

Key points from the superintendent's report

- State testimony and advisory role: Dr. Benton said he and Mr. Gabriel were invited to testify in Harrisburg and that Ms. Herman was selected to represent the district on a Pennsylvania Department of Education advisory committee crafting guidance on AI in education.

- AI in curriculum: Dr. Benton described the district’s strategy as “not to ignore it but also not to be reckless in embracing it without structures and guidelines,” and noted that students in grades 7–12 had opportunity to take an AI ethics course and assessment this year.

- Immigration and student records: Dr. Benton told the board the district does not collect immigration status information and that the district will “comply with the law” and follow local policy and federal rules. He specifically referenced board policy 907 and AR 907, FERPA guidance, the 2017 board resolution on immigration matters, and the U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe when describing legal obligations and limits.

- Federal funding uncertainty: Benton said a federal “freeze” on some funds had caused confusion for some partner agencies and that the district was monitoring impacts. He said the district has not yet been directly affected in its programs but noted the potential for some intermediary agencies (for example, intermediate units) to be affected. He said the district receives about $1.5 million in federal funds across programs (special education, food and nutrition) and is watching for clarity so it can plan.

What the board asked and directed: trustees congratulated staff for the invitation to testify and for district improvement data; they asked for continued monitoring of grant and federal‑fund developments and for timely updates if the federal situation would affect district services.