By Dr. Lance Gibbon
At the final keynote of the National Conference on Education, Christian Jackson, CEO of Edapt Schools, delivered a powerful message: AI isn’t here to replace us—it’s here to support us. For leaders like me from small, rural districts, this is an opportunity we can’t afford to ignore.
AI as a Personal Assistant, Not a Replacement
Jackson compared AI to fire—capable of great good but also potential harm. The key is how we use it. Many educators fear AI will take away human connection or critical thinking. But in reality, AI should function as our personal assistant, freeing us from routine tasks so we can focus on students and staff. I appreciated the variety of AI tools he introduced, especially those with clear, practical applications in education. From Notebook LM to Sesame to Khanmigo, these aren’t just theoretical—they’re real solutions that can help schools run more efficiently and enhance learning. While I have been using AI quite a bit in my work, I realize that in many ways, I’ve only been scratching the surface.
Addressing Rural Challenges with AI
In small districts like mine, time and resources are always stretched thin. Jackson challenged us to list our biggest time-consuming tasks, then consider how AI might help. Imagine AI assisting with: automating emails & reports—freeing up hours for real conversations, analyzing student data—helping teachers pinpoint needs faster, supporting personalized learning—providing instant feedback to students, and streamlining planning—enhancing decision-making for long-term projects. The potential to save time and individualize learning for students is tremendous.
Shaping AI to Fit Our Schools
AI isn’t one-size-fits-all, and for small schools, it should be an enhancement, not a disruption. The key is starting small—identifying where AI can lighten the load, testing tools that fit our needs, and ensuring staff feel supported in the transition. I need to both apply these strategies more in my own work and help our teachers do the same. The future isn’t something to fear; it’s something we build. AI won’t solve every challenge we face, but if used wisely, it can give us back the most valuable resource of all—time.
About Dr. Lance Gibbon
Dr. Lance Gibbon has dedicated over 30 years to serving students, educators, and families across Washington State. As the superintendent of Hood Canal School District, he is committed to creating positive, welcoming learning environments where all students can thrive. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including honors from the Washington School Public Relations Association, Best of Whidbey, and EarthGen (formerly Washington Green Schools).
