FSBA/FADSS 78th Annual Joint Conference

Empowering Education: Reflections on the Florida School Board Association Annual Joint Conference

In the realm of education, collaboration and continuous learning are the cornerstones of progress. As the Immediate Past-President and Executive Officer of the Florida School Board Association (FSBA), this past week I had the privilege of participating in the 78th Annual Joint Conference, a remarkable gathering that brought together educational leaders from across the state.

The conference, a collaborative effort of FSBA, the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), FELL, FERMA, FSBAA, and SUNSPRA, served as a nexus for school board members, superintendents, district staff, and other stakeholders. It not only provided a platform for networking but also facilitated insightful discussions on the pressing issues and events influencing education. Additionally, the conference offered valuable professional development opportunities that are crucial for staying abreast of the dynamic landscape of education.

One of the highlights of the event was the presence of powerful keynote speakers who added depth and inspiration to the conference. Jon Gordon, renowned for his best-selling books and motivational talks, shared principles that have resonated with Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits. His insights provided a fresh perspective on leadership and motivation, leaving attendees with practical takeaways to implement in their respective roles.

Adam Lane, with an impressive career spanning K–12 public education since 1995, captivated the audience with his journey through various roles, culminating in eight successful years as the principal of Haines City High School. Lane’s transformative leadership resulted in a significant decrease in discipline referrals and a notable increase in graduation rates, showcasing the impact a dedicated leader can have on a school community.

Nicole A. Harris, the Chief Learning Officer at Nicole Harris Learning Solutions, LLC, brought a unique perspective to the conference. Her information of how to best harness artificial intelligence and to focus on human-centric learning and the intersection of wellness, employee care, and job performance highlighted the holistic approach needed for effective training and professional development. Her insights resonated with educators striving to create environments that foster continuous learning and growth.

The conference also featured smaller breakout sessions, each delving into specific aspects of education. One particularly crucial session focused on Legislative Opportunities: Deregulation and the Upcoming Legislative Session. Presented by Jason LaGosh, Senior Director of Government Relations at Orange County School District, and other distinguished speakers, the session provided updates on the efforts to reduce regulations on public schools. It also shed light on FSBA priorities and its role in the legislative process, offering valuable insights into the upcoming legislative session and the policy issues at the forefront.

Attending these conferences is always an enriching experience, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and reflect. As an FSBA Executive Officer and Immediate Past-President, my involvement extended to the FSBA Board of Director’s Meeting and various committee meetings. These engagements allowed me to contribute to the ongoing initiatives of FSBA and gain a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape in Florida.

I am particularly grateful for the active participation of all five Citrus County School Board members at the Annual Joint Conference. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and collaborative spirit that defines our educational community in Citrus County. While we hold great respect for our counterparts across the state, these events reinforce the appreciation for the talented educators and committed leaders in Citrus County Schools who work tirelessly to achieve greatness for our students, families, and community.

The FSBA/FADSS Annual Joint Conference was not just a gathering of professionals; it was a celebration of shared commitment, passion, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. As we return to our respective districts, the lessons learned and connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing journey of enhancing education for the benefit of all students.

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Dr. Scott Hebert, Ed.D.: Shaping Educational Leaders at Florida Southern College

Citrus County School District’s Assistant Superintendent of School Operations, Dr. Scott Hebert, Ed.D., recently shared insights into his role as an adjunct professor and Chair for students working on their dissertations in Florida Southern College’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program. The interview sheds light on Dr. Hebert’s commitment to fostering the next generation of educational leaders through his passion and expertise.

In the interview, Dr. Hebert articulates the significance of Florida Southern College’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program in shaping leaders who can navigate the complex landscape of education. As an adjunct professor, he brings real-world experience to the classroom, providing students with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the field.

One key aspect of Dr. Hebert’s involvement at Florida Southern College is his role as Chair for students working on their dissertations. His guidance and mentorship contribute significantly to the success of doctoral candidates, ensuring they not only meet academic requirements but also develop the practical skills necessary for effective leadership in educational settings.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into Dr. Hebert’s thoughts on education and leadership, the full interview is available at https://www.flsouthern.edu/news/q-a-with-dr-scott-hebert. Citrus County School District is indeed fortunate to have Dr. Scott Hebert at the helm of school operations, ensuring that the next generation of educational leaders benefits from his passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence in education.

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Navigating the Educational Horizon: Insights from the FERA Conference on the Role of Generative AI in Shaping the Future of Learning

Kennedy joins panel discussion on Generative AI in education.

This week, I had the privilege of being one of the featured panelists at the Florida Educational Research Association (FERA) conference, where we explored the future of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Joining me were esteemed individuals: Dr. Hailey Kuang, Dr. Nate Turcotte, and Pete Martinez. Together, we delved into the history of AI in education, shared insights into current applications, and discussed our visions for the future, covering best practices, potential utilities, challenges, and ethical considerations.

Our conversation began by reflecting on the historical attempts to integrate Generative AI into education, drawing lessons from early endeavors and examining examples that paved the way for the evolution of AI’s role in education.

We discussed the current applications of Generative AI in education, covering personalized learning, assessment, and administrative tasks. Dr. Kuang shed light on AI’s impact on research and its role in individualized instruction. This diverse range of perspectives highlighted the multifaceted ways in which AI is currently shaping the educational landscape.

A significant focus of our discussion was on the future trajectory of Generative AI in education. I shared my vision, emphasizing the role of policy development in school boards and government. I underscored the vital support AI provides to students facing learning challenges, advocating for its integration into educational practices.

We didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges and potential risks associated with widespread Generative AI adoption in education. Dr. Turcotte emphasized the importance of transparent and customizable coding, highlighting ethical considerations. Our conversation delved into identifying best use-cases for Generative AI and navigating potential unintended consequences.

Pete Martinez passionately conveyed the industry’s demand for a workforce proficient in Generative AI. He emphasized that AI won’t replace people as much as those without AI proficiency may find themselves at a disadvantage in the evolving job market. This viewpoint underscores the urgency for educational institutions to equip students with AI skills to meet industry demands.

Dr. Turcotte’s emphasis on the ethical use of Generative AI added a crucial dimension to our discussion. As generative AI becomes more integrated into education, ethical considerations surrounding transparency, fairness, and accountability must guide implementation. We collectively agreed on the need for ongoing conversations and frameworks to ensure the responsible use of AI in educational settings.

In my contribution, I discussed the impact of Generative AI on policy development and its potential to support students with learning challenges. Respecting Dr. Turcotte’s call for transparency and customization, I emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible use in educational technology but also stressed the significance of moving forward with the incorporation and integration of Generative AI in education.

The FERA conference provided a platform to collectively accept that Generative AI will undeniably shape the present and future of education. As a panelist, I contributed from my perspective, emphasizing the responsibility of preparing the educational landscape for Generative AI integration. These discussions serve as a compass, guiding us towards a future where technology enhances the learning experience for all students, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In a wider perspective, a 2018 report by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) underscored the possibility that up to 85 percent of the jobs anticipated for students in 2030 either do not exist currently or will undergo substantial transformations. This insight provides a crucial lens through which we can understand the evolving landscape of education and the pivotal role that proficiency in using and adapting to Generative AI will play in preparing students for the jobs of the future.

Established in 1959, the Florida Educational Research Association (FERA) stands as a distinguished professional association dedicated to advancing the exploration, research, and discourse surrounding educational challenges and issues within the state of Florida. Its diverse membership encompasses university professors, school district administrators, graduate students, state education administrators, and teachers, fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange of insights and knowledge. Notably, Dr. Scott Hebert, the Assistant Superintendent of the Citrus County School District, plays a pivotal role on the Executive Board of Directors, contributing to FERA’s mission of promoting excellence in educational research and addressing the evolving landscape of education in Florida.

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