District unveils chatbot, social strategy and first AC-equipped buses

District communications and operations staff briefed the board Dec. 1 on several operational updates: a soft launch of a website chatbot, a shift to more celebratory social media with comments disabled on certain informational posts, and the arrival of the first air‑conditioned school bus in a 14‑bus purchase cycle.

Colin Trotman, executive director of communications, said the district’s mass notification tool (InTouch) and learning platforms (Seesaw for pre‑K–2, Schoology for grades 3–12) remain primary channels; the district reports roughly 20,000 app downloads, about 4,000 daily website users and substantive follower counts on Facebook and Instagram. Trotman said the chatbot will search district content and, if unable to resolve a query, will route messages to the appropriate department and track response time with a target of replying within 24 hours.

Transportation staff displayed the first new bus and highlighted safety and comfort features: inside and outside cameras (a multi‑camera, 360‑capable system), GPS and a digital dash. Mr. Kiesecker said the district runs about 243 buses daily and maintains a 305‑bus fleet. Board members asked about supervision at transfer points and about training for drivers on the new features; operations staff said drivers will receive training and that the camera/GPS integration will allow near‑real‑time snapshots to be reviewed by administrators.

What happens next: the chatbot will be soft‑launched in December, fully rolled out in January, and the remaining buses will be delivered and equipped over the coming weeks; staff will continue training and public information efforts.