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District to consider no-cost Merlin AI remote pilot — 100 devices, five years of software and support
Summary
Administration described a Merlin grant that would provide 100 AI-powered remotes and five years of software and professional development at no cost; the committee heard the pilot results and signaled consensus to place the grant on the full board agenda for approval.
Northern Lehigh administrators briefed the committee on a Merlin grant opportunity that would supply the district with 100 Merlin AI-powered remotes and five years of software access, professional development and ongoing support at no cost.
Staff presenter (S6) said volunteer teachers field-tested the device and provided positive feedback. S6 described Merlin as a handheld, voice-activated remote that allows teachers to control the workstation and classroom technology without being tethered to the workstation. The district would receive the equipment and software for five years, with no commitment to continue at the end of that period.
Committee members asked how the 100 units would be allocated given roughly 126 staff, and whether policy or AI governance changes are required. S6 said some sharing strategies could be used and confirmed the district has an AI policy that would cover use of the devices; the administration recommended placing the grant opportunity on the full board agenda for approval.
Next steps: administration will include the Merlin grant on the upcoming board agenda and plan deployment with volunteer teacher cohorts if approved.
