Dear Thompson Community,
I hope you are enjoying our return to warmer spring weather. Our school year continues to proceed very well, and following Spring Break, things will move at a breakneck speed as we conduct our state student assessments and prepare for the final days of school. For this month’s column, I wanted to take a moment to touch on a topic that continues to grow in importance: the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its use in our educational settings.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world around us. From the rise of ChatGPT to new AI-driven tools appearing almost weekly, we are witnessing a shift reshaping industries, communication, and learning. But in Thompson School District, we know that no technology — no matter how advanced — can replace the heart of education: our teachers, relationships, and student growth.
We are not just observers of this change; we are leaders, actively shaping how AI enhances education while preserving the irreplaceable human connections that define great learning experiences.
Here at TSD, we are committed to proactive and responsible AI integration. We have established an AI Task Force — a diverse team of educators, administrators, and IT professionals — to explore AI’s impact and develop guiding principles for its use. Our participation in national conversations, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference and the Florida EdTech Conference (FETC), has enriched this work.
Just as our Tech4All initiative ensured every student had access to a device, we now face a new challenge: ensuring all students develop AI literacy. AI literacy is not just about knowing how to use AI tools; it’s also about thinking critically, evaluating AI-generated content, and using AI ethically and effectively. As superintendent, AI has also opened doors for my work here in the district. It has served as a valuable tool for research and has also assisted me in clarifying my thinking at times.
While AI can analyze data and generate responses and content, it cannot replace the relationships, creativity, and emotional intelligence that make learning meaningful. Our teachers and leaders cultivate:
- Meaningful relationships that support student growth
- Creative expression and innovative thinking
- Compassion and emotional understanding
- Collaborative learning experiences
- Courage to face challenges and adapt
Thompson School District’s AI journey is not about replacing educators but empowering them with tools that enhance teaching and learning while maintaining a strong human-centered approach.
As we continue to explore AI’s role in education, we invite you — our families, educators, and community members — to join the conversation. Artificial Intelligence is not just the future; it is the present. Together, we will ensure that AI serves as a tool for enhanced learning, deeper engagement, and greater opportunities for each student.
Let’s embrace this journey with curiosity, responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring that AI works for us — not the other way around.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marc Schaffer
Superintendent
Thompson School District