Harrison BOE Hears of Prudent AI Inclusion

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The Feb. 9 meeting of the Harrison Community Schools Board of Education began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Harrison High School Cheer Team. They were introduced and honored for having just placed second at the Jackpine Cheer Competition.

The agenda then moved to Guiding Belief Awards, which recognizes the district’s Guiding Beliefs of Honesty, Openness, Respect, Neighborliness, Excellence, Trust and Stewardship. This month’s awards were presented to district personnel nominated by their peers for exemplifying/embodying Respect. Present for the awards were Brock Bootz, CGRESD; Kevin Smalley, CGRESD, and Brittany Haskin, Early Childhood and High School Cheer. Other recipients not present were Larson staff members Megan Corbin, Josh Kreider, Michelle Parker and Dan Seefeld, and Ben Orling, middle/high school.

Afterward, Superintendent Judy Walton offered this month’s Instructional Highlight, focusing on the district’s incorporation of Artificial Intelligence. She assured that AI could provide for greater efficiencies, particularly in coding which would leave teachers the time to attend to student planning, and afford more time to spend with kids.

“We really want to use it in the smartest way possible for our kids,” Walton said.

She went on to say that the traditional approach of rote learning is pretty much out, adding that ChatGPT would not be used, that only SchoolAI, Brisk and others would be used which ensure data privacy and security. Walton also noted the district would need to amend its Strategic Plan, adding that Michigan is one  of the few states that doesn’t have guidelines on the use of AI.

She informed that the isn’t any movement at the state level on what that would look like, and added, “We’re not going to be behind for our kids.”

Walton also said AI would be really good for individual education plans because it would be customizable and help with mentoring as well. So far, School AI is a free resource; the vital thing is to teach kids to use it more responsibly.

After approval of the Jan. 12 Organizational and Regular Meeting minutes, and Financial Reports for January, the Board approved the appointment of Emily Oakley as the Harrison Parent Advisory Council representative to the RESD.

Noted under Informational Items, was the resignation of Maddyson Cowell, high school paraprofessional, and the retirement of Deana Houghton, high school counselor.

Tom Pirnstill addressed the Board during Public Comment, to inform of the 22^nd Annual Paula Pirnstill Memorial Health and Safety Fair slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Farwell High School, stressing there would be a FlightCare helicopter onsite from 10-1:30 a.m. – and lots of fund for kids. He said that new this year would be a Prepare Fair presented in conjunction with Jerry Becke regarding catastrophe preparedness which would be held at 12:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

He also spoke of the Comfort Care House established on Cranberry Lake Road, touching on the upcoming fundraiser and the hospice needs that facility would meet as the only such facility in Clare County.

Walton thanked him for the information and assured Pirnstill he could count on HSC for support.

In her Superintendent Report, Walton spoke of a good professional learning day the Friday prior; that there were two spots for retirees, with one more likely to come; and that graduation day this year would be Friday, May 15.

She also thanked the people who had spoken in Public Comment, addressing one inquiry of whether there would ever be any townhall meetings. Walton noted their had been two townhalls, the most recent one for safety and security, but that there was no call for one right now. She said anyone could request an appointment and sit down, and she would listen.

Walton also spoke of the recent request for wrestling to be added to the Harrison sports lineup, and assured that wrestling will be on the Committee of the Whole agenda for discussion.

Reporting on the Committee of the Whole, Carrie Whittaker spoke of discussion on the use of funds from the sale of the district’s former Budd Lake property, possibly for purchase of a small passenger van. Other topics noted were: Cost, pros and cons for starting a wrestling team; AI and proper ways to make it easier for students; and Open door policies regarding students and staff.