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Jenkintown to pilot "Magic School" AI for staff; district to develop AI policy
Summary
The district said it will begin staff training for the "Magic School" AI implementation on July 14, limit initial rollout to faculty and staff, and develop a district AI policy over the next school year.
Administrators told the Jenkintown School District board on June 9 that the district will begin staff training for a new AI product, with a staged rollout focused on faculty and staff and a district AI policy to follow.
A presenter at the meeting described a planned July 14 implementation date for the product referred to in meeting materials as "Magic School AI," saying staff members have begun certification coursework and the rollout next year will be limited to faculty and staff rather than students.
"We have set our implemented implementation date to July 14," the presenter said, adding that staff members are completing multi-level certification courses and that the district would "edge into this slowly, and be cautious." The presenter also said administrators would "work as an admin team and with Justin to develop our own AI policy for the district over next year."
Why it matters: The district—s cautious approach mirrors many K—12 districts that pilot AI tools for educators before classroom use, emphasizing staff training, policy development and staged implementation. Board members said the pilot and subsequent policy work are intended to ensure teachers are prepared and to protect students.
What was presented: Staff said two staff members have begun certification (the presenter said one had completed two levels and another had completed one), and that the district will use the pilot year to evaluate outcomes and present findings to the board in September. The rollout will be followed by staff development sessions in August and a presentation to the board in September.
What—s next: The district intends to return to the board with findings and recommendations in the fall after staff training and initial implementation. No dates for student-facing rollout or detailed policy language were presented at the June 9 meeting.
At the June 9 meeting administrators emphasized caution and training as guiding principles for the pilot and policy work.
