Sarasota School Board approves agreement with AI-powered writing program, new positions

Steven Walker, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Sarasota Superintendent Terry Connor addresses the public at his swearing-in ceremony in July.
Sarasota Superintendent Terry Connor addresses the public at his swearing-in ceremony in July.

At a matinee meeting of the Sarasota School Board, the board approved various new and revised job descriptions in addition to a new collaboration with an artificial intelligence-powered education program to improve writing skills.

The district approved seven new and revised job descriptions ranging from Exceptional Student Education administrative positions to construction project managers, of which the district's superintendent Terry Connor called some new roles "pivotal". The board also approved an agreement with PackBack, a computer-based program that uses AI to help students improve their writing and critical thinking skills while also aiding instructors in grading and coaching.

"We have to embrace technology, and artificial intelligence is alive and well and is coming fast and furious," Connor said. "We can sit there and try to hold it off, but it's going to essentially be an essential part of our lives."

At the beginning of the month, the district approved a new AI policy stating "students shall not use artificial intelligence platforms to avoid doing their own work," and that AI, "should only be used as a supplement when authorized by a teacher."

The superintendent said PackBack would be implemented in 9th and 10th-grade classrooms. The state's new FAST writing test was one reason the district felt compelled to give targeted writing work through PackBack, according to the board agenda.

The agreement with PackBack would be funded with federal COVID-19 funds, which expire at the end of September. It was unclear where funding for PackBack would come from following the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

New and revised positions

The board also approved seven new and revised district positions. The positions included ESE Compliance Coordinator, ESE Instructional Facilitator, ESE Program Facilitator, Program Specialist-Professional Learning Generalist, Senior Project Manager for Construction, Assistant Project Manager for Construction, and Executive Director of Elementary Schools.

The board also approved an upgrade in pay scale for the State and Federal Grants Coordinator position, which has been vacant for 30 months, the superintendent said.

Connor said the new jobs would enhance the district's compliance with state statutes and provide additional support for students with disabilities. He also said the professional learning specialist position would help achieve strategic goals of improving teacher performance and student learning outcomes.

"We do anticipate that it will have a positive effect on (teacher) retention," Connor said. "It will help improve the quality of teaching and learning going on in our classrooms."

Sarasota County School Board members Karen Rose, left, and Bridget Ziegler listen to public comments Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023, after the school board members approved a resolution calling on Ziegler to resign.
Sarasota County School Board members Karen Rose, left, and Bridget Ziegler listen to public comments Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, 2023, after the school board members approved a resolution calling on Ziegler to resign.

Board Chairwoman Karen Rose spoke in support of adding positions, adding that she appreciated the district's staff for its work in raising student achievement.

"Adding administrative positions and not getting results is one thing. We're getting results," Rose said. "Systems are being strengthened. There's accountability in instruction and learning. Teachers are being listened to."

Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota School Board OKs AI-powered writing program, new positions