Board approves agreements including pilot 'Magic School' AI; members ask for program update

The Big Spring School District board voted to approve several recommended agreements presented by administration, including a Shippensburg University Head Start memorandum and an educational AI contract referred to as "Magic School."

Administration described the Head Start memorandum with per‑credit figures read during the meeting and said the district seeks to expand college credit experiences for students. The ESS support services amendment establishing a pay rate of $23 per hour and a discounted bill rate (as read in the record) for crossing guard services was also presented.

Board member Seth Corman asked for clarification on Magic School, noting it was described in the meeting as a school‑focused AI 'tailored to safety' and requested a future presentation showing pilot results, staff and student progress metrics, and an updated cost breakdown prior to committing to the full 2026‑27 contract. Dr. Grante and administration said the pilot was successful and indicated the contract being presented was prorated for half the year, with a potential higher annual cost if continued.

Mr. Donado said the district had canceled a Turnitin license (quoted cost of about $5,000–$6,000 a year) as part of prior cost‑savings and that the Magic School contract was the first paid AI tool brought on board after a free trial. Board members asked staff to provide a follow‑up presentation to show usage statistics and a clear comparison of existing tools before committing additional funds.