Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Blue Valley 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 Blue Valley 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 5
Gina Knapp (incumbent)
AI can be a powerful tool for teaching and learning, but it must be approached responsibly. Our district should establish clear protocols that balance innovation with safeguards. That means requiring transparency about how AI is used, protecting student and staff data, and ensuring teachers—not algorithms—remain at the center of instruction. AI should supplement learning, not replace the human relationships that are the foundation of education. Policies must include strict data privacy rules, limits on student information shared with vendors, and professional development so staff can guide students in using AI ethically.
Steve Roberts
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Member 6
David Benson
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Jim McMullen (incumbent)
There are three critical principles that we need to follow. First, the first several years of school (at least thru the end of elementary school) need to have as tech-free an environment as possible with the goal of ensuring that all children have the proper intellectual foundation to be able to think and communicate effectively in a fast-changing world. Second, AI and the amazing tools that have emerged are here to stay, and so we need to embrace this reality and prepare students to use them. Third, we must continue to emphasize advanced reading and writing, as well as rigorous mathematics instruction, using traditional methods, throughout middle and high school so that our young people fully develop their critical thinking skills and creativity. While AI is changing everything in our world, we must be committed to ensuring students spend sufficient time on particularly challenging work so that each child’s intellectual development reaches its full potential.
