Winona Area Public School Board approves superintendent focus areas; technology advisory to lead AI work

The Winona Area Public School District Board of Education on Oct. 1 approved three superintendent focus areas for the year and agreed to rely on its technology advisory group to lead work on artificial intelligence and other technology issues.

Board members voted to approve the focus areas after Superintendent Brzezinski recommended keeping AI and broader technology work under the technology advisory group rather than adding it to the superintendent's formal focus areas. Brzezinski said the advisory group is scheduled to meet for the first time next week and he expects representatives from that group to make future recommendations to the board.

Brzezinski told the board he and staff had discussed how artificial intelligence fits within district policy and practice, and he recommended continuing that work through the technology advisory group so that group can bring recommendations forward. He also noted already scheduled professional development on AI in February and suggested the board may want to revisit the district strategic plan later this school year to decide whether to highlight or remove elements.

Beyond technology, the board approved three other focus areas that will guide superintendent reports during the year: renewal of the district's capital project levy (discussion with a financial advisor is expected Oct. 14), advancing direct-pay geothermal projects (work with Baker Tilly to finish details), and continued emphasis on career and technical education with ongoing engagement with business partners.

Board members asked for a briefing after the technology advisory group's first meeting so the board can hear how the group is organizing its work; Brzezinski said he will meet with advisory leadership after that initial meeting and then bring an update back to the board. The board approved the focus areas by voice vote.