East Grand Forks School Leaders Embrace AI’s Educational Potential
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across industries, and East Grand Forks Public Schools is beginning to explore its potential in the classroom. Superintendent Kevin Grover believes AI tools can become valuable educational resources if implemented thoughtfully. While the district remains cautious, Grover sees AI as a way to encourage deeper thinking among students and improve efficiency for staff.
“It’s definitely a time-saver,” Grover said. “But more importantly, it challenges us to change how we teach and how students learn. If we ignore it, we’re not doing our job to prepare them for the real world.”
A Measured Approach to Integration
Despite the enthusiasm, the district is taking careful steps before introducing AI to students. Currently, AI tools are blocked on all student devices, and there are no formal policies guiding AI use by staff or students. Grover and Jill Meulebroeck, the district’s technology integrationist, agree that before implementing AI broadly, educators must better understand the technology themselves.
“AI isn’t just a fad. It’s here to stay,” Meulebroeck said. “But we need to be sure we’re using it responsibly. That starts with training our educators and waiting for state-level guidelines.”
Grover echoed this sentiment, noting that just like any major technological advancement, there’s a learning curve. “In public education, we have to adapt. We owe it to our students to teach them proper use,” he added.
Preparing Students for a High-Tech Future
Grover emphasized the importance of equipping students with AI literacy before they graduate. He warned that failing to do so could leave them unprepared in an increasingly digital world. “Every year, we send graduates out into the world,” he said. “If they leave without even knowing what AI is, they’ve missed something important.”
Meulebroeck acknowledged some teachers have encountered challenges with students using AI dishonestly, but she believes the solution lies in education, not prohibition. “We can’t pretend it doesn’t exist,” she said. “We have to teach students how to work with it, not against it.”
AI’s Role in Developing Critical Thinking
Both Grover and Meulebroeck believe AI has the potential to enhance student learning by encouraging deeper engagement with material. “Whether it’s math, science, or English,” Grover explained, “AI gives us the opportunity to push students to think beyond rote memorization. Our goal is to cultivate higher-level thinking skills.”
Introducing AI into the curriculum won’t be without challenges, but Grover believes it will ultimately benefit both students and teachers. “It forces us to be more intentional about our instruction,” he said. “That’s a good thing.”
Supporting Staff Through AI Tools
While much of the focus is on students, district leaders also see AI as a tool for staff. With ongoing staffing shortages across the state, Grover believes AI could help alleviate some of the administrative burden faced by teachers and support personnel. “Whether it’s teachers, administrators or secretaries, AI can save time,” he said.
Meulebroeck, who helps train staff on technology use, encourages educators to approach AI with a critical eye. “I tell them to follow the 80/20 rule — let AI provide 80% of the information, but you still need to apply that final 20% of human judgment to ensure accuracy,” she explained.
This blended approach ensures that staff can benefit from AI’s efficiencies without compromising educational quality.
AI as a Supplement, Not a Replacement
Despite its potential, Grover is clear that AI will not replace teachers. “There’s always concern that technology might make some jobs obsolete,” he said. “But in public education, the role of the teacher is irreplaceable. We still need that human connection.”
He believes AI should serve as a support tool rather than a substitute. “It’s not about replacing educators,” he said. “It’s about empowering them to do their jobs more effectively.”
Next Steps for the District
As East Grand Forks Public Schools continues to explore AI integration, district leaders are committed to a deliberate, informed approach. They are monitoring developments at the state level and planning internal training to build staff confidence and competence in using AI tools.
“We’re not rushing,” Grover said. “But we’re also not ignoring it. The goal is to find that balance — to prepare our students and support our staff without moving too fast.”
As AI becomes more ingrained in everyday life, the district’s leaders want to ensure students are not only aware of its existence but also understand how to use it ethically and effectively. “We want them to leave here ready for the future,” Grover said. “And AI is going to be a part of that future.”
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.