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Minuteman narrows principal search to two finalists; committee hears cybersecurity and AI plans
Summary
Superintendent Kevin Mahoney reported the principal search has been narrowed to two finalists; IT and instructional staff outlined cybersecurity improvements, a municipal grant application for cyber training, a brief phishing incident, and an AI-in-education survey showing mixed staff views and requests for policy guidance.
Minuteman's leadership gave committee members a multi-part update on staffing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence during the April 25 meeting.
Principal search: Interim Superintendent Kevin Mahoney and Superintendent-elect Heidi Driscoll described a broad stakeholder process that produced a candidate profile and led to four interviews (two candidates withdrew); staff said two finalists remain and will be interviewed by the executive board and district leaders within about two weeks.
Cybersecurity and infrastructure: IT Director Drew reported a December 2023 cybersecurity audit that found internal vulnerabilities (being remediated) and noted the district's Microsoft "secure score" is improving after licensing upgrades. The district applied for a municipal cybersecurity training grant to fund incident-response planning, tabletop exercises and an MFA (multi-factor authentication) rollout; an MDR (managed detection and response) service is budgeted for next year. Drew also described a small phishing incident discovered and remediated during the meeting day (account without MFA sent a fake PDF; IT disabled access within about two hours).
AI in education: Anthony presented an overview of generative AI and shared results from a district staff survey (approximately 75% response rate). Staff responses fell across a spectrum: some are cautious or experimenting, some embrace AI for productivity (but not with students), and a minority use it both personally and with students. Common concerns included academic integrity, data privacy and equitable access. Anthony and other presenters urged development of staff guidance and periodic policy review rather than a one-time rule, and offered resources for policy models and classroom practice.
Other items: Dr. Amy Peral reported increased CPAC participation and a continuation mental-health grant that trained seven staff as Mental Health First Aid trainers, with plans to offer staff training in June and to expand training opportunities for member towns.
What happens next: The executive board will interview finalists for the principal role; IT will continue the MFA rollout and pursue grant funding for cybersecurity exercises; administrative staff plan to develop guidance and policy options for AI in classrooms and to share resources with the committee.
