District launches AI task force and reports rise in at-risk student count to 81%

Assistant Superintendent Bookout told the Milan Area Schools board Oct. 29 that the district has convened a 16-member AI task force representing teachers, support staff and administrators from all four buildings and has partnered with Advanced Learning Partnerships through REMCSave for professional learning and coaching.

The task force completed a full day of professional learning in October and will conduct action-research projects with two months of coaching before reconvening in December to share results. Bookout said the intention is to use that work to inform district policy and practice on artificial intelligence in classrooms.

Bookout also reported that the district submitted its first 3-1 at-risk list for the 2025-26 school year and that the percentage of students qualifying for additional supports has increased from 77 percent last year to 81 percent this year; she said the increase will result in greater state funding for supports in 2026-27 under current state rules.

Bookout reminded families about parent-teacher conferences, noting elementary conferences require appointments while middle- and high-school conferences were open-house style during the week. She also highlighted district events including fundraisers and literacy activities across the schools.