A Productive Week in Tallahassee Focused on Florida’s Students and the Future of Learning

This past week in Tallahassee was a powerful reminder of how policy, practice, and innovation intersect on behalf of Florida’s students. Two major events I participated in took place concurrently, each reinforcing the importance of thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and forward-looking decision-making in public education. The Florida School Boards Association’s Days in the Legislature coincided with the second annual Classroom of the Future, hosted by the University of Florida CS Everyone Center and the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force. Together, these events highlighted both the immediate legislative priorities facing our schools and the longer-term vision needed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

I was honored to participate in the opening Fireside Chat at Classroom of the Future, titled “Advocating for Florida’s Students: Empowering Legislation to Safeguard Florida Schools and Student Access.” As a founding member of the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force led by the UF CS Everyone Center, this conversation was especially meaningful to me. The session was expertly moderated by Dr. Maya Israel, Professor and Director of the UF CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education, whose leadership continues to elevate Florida’s national role in computer science and AI education.

I was joined on the panel by an strong group of education and industry leaders: Gary Brady, Chief Academic Officer for Hillsborough County Public Schools; Manuel Castañeda, Executive Director of Analytics and Intelligence for Broward County Public Schools; and Adam Hall, Senior Account Executive for Education at Microsoft. Our discussion focused on how Florida can safely and effectively integrate artificial intelligence into K–12 education while maintaining strong student protections, supporting educators, and ensuring equitable access.

The conversation emphasized three core areas. First was job readiness and workforce alignment. AI is not a distant concept for our students; it is already reshaping the skills demanded by employers across industries. While automation may displace 92 million roles by 2030, the shift is projected to create 170 million new positions. This net gain of 78 million jobs represents a paradox where opportunity is abundant but remains inaccessible without specific training. Preparing students to understand, use, and think critically about AI is now part of responsible workforce preparation.

Second, we discussed the importance of thoughtful implementation, ensuring that AI tools enhance teachers and instruction rather than replace the human relationships that define effective teaching and learning. AI has the potential to provide every teacher with not one, but many additional instructional supports for students. Finally, we addressed how AI can improve operational efficiency and analytics, helping school districts better serve students while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.

At the same time, I joined my school board colleagues from across the state at the 39th annual FSBA Days in the Legislature. These days are invaluable because they provide dedicated opportunities for school board members to sit down one-on-one with state policymakers and speak directly about the needs of our students, families, educators, staff, and communities. These conversations are not theoretical; they are grounded in the day-to-day realities of Florida’s classrooms and campuses.

For me, the focus during these meetings was clear and intentional: workforce readiness, flexibility for differentiated instruction and curriculum, and education innovation. Florida’s districts are diverse, and our policies must reflect that reality by allowing flexibility while maintaining high standards and accountability.

During the week, we spent meaningful time meeting individually with our state legislators and leaders, particularly Senator Ralph Massullo and Representative JJ Grow. Both took the time to listen closely to our local concerns and needs. What I especially appreciate is that Senator Massullo and Representative Grow are deeply familiar with our schools and students. They regularly visit our campuses and engage directly with students, educators, and administrators. That firsthand experience matters, and it shows in the way they approach education policy discussions. I am grateful for the strong working relationships they have built with our district leadership and school board.

Equally important are the dedicated professionals who support them and our district. A special thank you is owed to Senator Massullo’s team, including Adele Hembree and Tobey Cyr, and to Representative Grow’s team members Michael Schenck and Dawn Faherty. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and commitment to serving our district, and most importantly our students and families, do not go unnoticed. Effective policy work is always a team effort, and their role is critical.

During the week, FSBA also provided comprehensive legislative updates, detailed bill reviews, and opportunities to meet with additional legislative and state leaders. They brought in leading experts to help school board members better understand proposed policies and legislative priorities for the year ahead. This context is essential as we evaluate how legislation may impact local districts and the students we serve.

Overall, it was a productive and energizing week in Tallahassee. I returned home grateful for the opportunity to advocate for Citrus County students and encouraged by the thoughtful conversations taking place at both the legislative and innovation levels. As always, our focus remains here at home: continuing to meet and exceed the needs of our students and schools, preparing them not just for today, but for the future they will inherit.

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