Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Gardner Edgerton Board of Education to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to the Gardner Edgerton community.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is a new and rapidly evolving technology that proponents say can revolutionize many aspects of modern life, including teaching and learning. But many people in education worry about AI’s impacts and possible abuses, including facilitating cheating and making students’ and staff’s personal data less secure. How should your district approach establishing policies and protocols when it comes to the use of AI in schools?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Member 1 (two-year unexpired term)
Julie Aldridge
As a school board candidate, I believe in harnessing the benefit of artificial intelligence while protecting our student’s privacy and educational integrity. I support clear policies, ongoing teacher training, and strong parent engagement to ensure artificial intelligence serves as a tool for opportunity and not a barrier to learning. I am committed to transparent, adaptive leadership as technology evolves in our schools. Establish policies ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies with strong data privacy and protection measures. This includes implementing safeguards against bias, discrimination, and misuse of student data to create a safe and fair learning environment. Promote artificial intelligence literacy by integrating age- appropriate artificial intelligence education into the curriculum for students and give continuing professional development opportunities to educators. This equips both students and teachers to understand, use, and navigate artificial intelligence tools responsibly and effectively. Ensure fair access to artificial intelligence tools across all student populations while defining clear guidelines for responsible artificial intelligence use in classrooms, including limitations on artificial intelligence for high-stakes assessments and emphasizing human oversight. Policies should address transparency, consent, and ethical use to prevent academic dishonesty and foster trust among stakeholders. These priorities balance innovation with responsibility and equity to support effective artificial intelligence integration in education.
Matthew Harlow
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Melissa Hershey
AI is undoubtedly transforming education, offering incredible opportunities while posing important challenges. I believe AI tools should be integrated thoughtfully, aligned with existing policies on plagiarism and academic integrity. For example, essays written in class should be a reflection of students’ skills, so assessments like handwritten essays remain vital. Policies should also address issues related to cheating and data security, ensuring students and staff are protected while fostering responsible use of this technology.
Member 4
Sam Dominguez
When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), our school district must take a thoughtful and proactive approach. I believe we should establish a dedicated committee that includes educators, parents, students, administrators, and technology experts. This group should work together to develop a clear policy that embraces AI as a learning tool while ensuring safe and responsible use.
Completely restricting AI in our schools is neither practical nor beneficial. Artificial intelligence is already transforming the world around us, and our students deserve the opportunity to learn how to use it effectively and ethically. Ignoring this technology will only leave them at a disadvantage when they enter higher education or the workforce.
The reality is that we are already behind in the use of technology in general, and we cannot afford to fall further behind as AI becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of modern life. Our goal should be to empower students to use AI for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, skills that will define the future.
At the same time, we must prioritize safety, data privacy, and academic integrity. Establishing clear guidelines for appropriate use, training for educators, and open communication with families will be key to ensuring AI enhances learning rather than replacing it.
By taking a collaborative and informed approach, we can prepare our students not just to adapt to the future, but to lead it.
Lana Sutton (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Member 6
Greg Chapman (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Keith Davenport
I have been discussing this very issue with several teachers and administrators in the district already. As an entrepreneur, I’m using AI in my work everyday. Large corporations, such as Oracle, are already laying off thousands of employees to replace them with AI. If students do not have experience using AI, they will have a very difficult time in the job market moving forward. First, we need to add an AI class to the curriculum. It’s as necessary as learning to type was when I was in school. Second, we need to create policies that govern the other uses of AI by both staff and teachers. We’re not the only ones dealing with this and we don’t have to start from scratch. We have to find a way to learn and leverage AI without compromising ethics or educational integrity.
