JCPS technology leaders outline Google Workspace move, Gemini pilots and an AI implementation guide
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Summary
CIO Eric Satterley and educational technology staff told the board they have moved staff into Google Workspace, are piloting Google Gemini inside Classroom for teacher use, formed a generative‑AI cohort that produced an implementation guide, and are building a district fiber project called 'Link to Learn.' They underscored data protections and said students do not yet have generative‑AI access.
Jefferson County Public Schools' technology leadership described a district‑level plan to unify its digital ecosystem and roll out generative‑AI responsibly during the March 31 board meeting.
CIO Eric Satterley said staff moved into Google Workspace in February and that Google Classroom is the district’s most used instructional platform. EdTech staff credited about 10,000 hours of professional learning this year (including a district event called Google Palooza) and said the district now offers teacher access to Google’s Gemini tools inside Google Classroom as a staff resource. The presenters emphasized that Gemini access is being used as a teacher support tool — not as a replacement for curriculum — and that students currently do not have access to generative AI through district accounts.
The team described a generative‑AI consulting cohort launched in December 2024 that focused on policy, teaching and learning, and data security; its work resulted in an AI implementation guide and seven guiding principles that emphasize a human‑centered approach and data protections. Presenters said vendor contracts and data protection agreements were negotiated to avoid training external vendor models on student data.
The technology division also previewed 'Link to Learn,' a JCPS‑owned fiber optic project intended to connect district buildings and support long‑term network reliability. Board members raised questions about student safety, policy approvals and whether the board should adopt additional AI governance; staff said many elements fit into existing acceptable use policies but that follow‑up from the AI cohort would be brought to the board for any necessary policy actions.
Quotable: "We are moving forward with AI from the notion of responsible innovation... We are not looking to replace teachers," said a member of the EdTech team. The board voted to receive the ed‑tech update.
