District tech director says 26 AI trainings held; board presses on device choices and privacy

Michael Larkin, who led the technology presentation, told the board the district has run about 26 professional‑development sessions this year focused on AI and instructional tools and is piloting platforms including NotebookLM, Gemini, Skillstruck and Canva. "We've hosted about 26 AI PD presentations so far this year," he said, describing workshops and follow‑up small‑group instruction for teachers.

Larkin said the district had budgeted for 12 Bloomberg terminals (money allocated but curriculum implementation still in planning), is refreshing Chromebooks in targeted grades and plans to replace a number of desktops, and is evaluating iPads as an alternative. He also described E‑rate projects that upgraded wireless access points across the district and added roughly 20 outdoor access points; the Wi‑Fi refresh finished in September. On blocking external models for younger students, Larkin said the district intends to block access outside the EDU workspace and "I'll take another look to see if there was something that we missed." He also described a soon‑to‑be‑launched teacher and student survey to collect feedback on tools.

Board members pressed for procurement transparency and asked whether the district had a plan to move a device ecosystem midyear. Administrators cautioned that switching platforms is resource‑intensive and requires sustained training; they said any large changes would be phased and discussed publicly. Larkin said the district is consolidating software where possible, has eliminated some lower‑value contracts, and is building a family information page with direct links to instructional services and login portals.