MCS Looking to Incorporate AI

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - AI-artificial intelligence- is here and spreading and not going anywhere. Many educators have dreaded the use of AI, but Middleburgh teachers are being asked to use AI, at least in the classroom.

Superintendent Mark Place told school board members that he sends out AI minutes and tips from Nano Banana, an AI art generator, to teachers and staff. At the staff development day, staff and teachers were asked to engage themselves in AI and to incorporate it in their classrooms and formulating their lessons. The art generators can quickly create pictures of objects either lifelike or cartoonlike, Mr. Place said.

AI is not being required, but will be suggested as a tool for teachers and staff. "Whatever works for them," Mr. Place.

"That's what we're trying to build. To incorporate and use AI in instruction," he added.

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In other action, board members:

* Approved Janice Boyles, certified teacher, and Danielle Ball, registered nurse, as certified substitutes.

* Named Sky Rivera as a support staff substitute.

* Accepted the resignation retirement of long-time custodial worker Dale Urrey effective October 17. The board accepted the retirement with regret and best wishes.

* Appointed Mikayla Misenhimer to a four-year probationary position as a teaching assistant starting on September 1.

* Named the following extracurricular advisors for the 2025-26 school year: Ms. Misenhimer and Marissa Lombardo as co-advisors of the sophomore class; Nick Follett, Gay-Straight Alliance; Eric Weller, jazz band and marching band; Ms. Misenhimer, musical choral director, Mr. Follett, musical orchestra director; and Ms. Lombardo and Ms. Misenhimer, co-advisors for the spring film.