Chautauqua County School Boards Association members recently heard from Dr. Brian Graham, superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District, regarding The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education.

His presentation explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education, focusing on new applications, ethical considerations and strategies for successful implementation in schools. Participants gained insights into how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency, preparing students and educators for the future

Upcoming presentations include:

– Sept. 18, when Dr. John Griesmer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Erie II BOCES, will present findings and recommendations pertaining to the state Blue Ribbon Commission regarding graduation measures. In 2019, the New York State Board of Regents and Education Department launched the Graduation Measures Initiative to explore what a New York state diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for all students. Griesmer will present the state Education Department recommendations to the school board members at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

– Oct. 16, when Dr. David O’Rourke, district superintendent and chief executive officer for the Erie 2 BOCES, will present on the topic of regionalization. According to the state Education Department, regionalization is a “collaborative model for creating equitable educational opportunities for all students that leverages the state’s existing capabilities, talent, and infrastructure. By engaging in regionalization planning, schools and districts may identify, explore, and pursue a variety of possible solutions to the academic and operational challenges they face by tapping into the full span of resources that already exist in their larger region.” O’Rourke will present and share information and also provide a question and answer session to school board members and school administrators in attendance. The meeting will be held at the State University at Fredonia at the Williams Center.

In November the CCSBA will have its dinner meeting at the National Comedy Center – Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown. During the meeting, members will be able to share best practices for their own schools with other members. At the conclusion of the meeting, tours and socialization will be able to occur throughout the museum.

From December through March, association members will meet monthly to discuss goals and establish priorities for the 2025 year. The organization will closely monitor the state budget and host the annual legislative dinner meeting in March.

Officers are Sylvester Cleary (Forestville), President; Wendy Dyment (Westfield), first vice president; and Larry Lodestro (Frewsburg) second vice president. The Executive Committee is comprised of Aaron Richner (Cassadaga), Kurt Gustafson (Southwestern), Dr. Margaret Spence (Bemus Point), Teresa Guzman (Sherman), Greg Cole (Silver Creek) and Jeff Chase (Pine Valley). Ex-Officio members of the Executive Committee include: Joshua Liddell (Chautauqua Lake) – Far West Council of School Superintendents; Christine Schnars, NYSSBA Area 3 Director and Dr. David O’Rourke, District Superintendent, Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES. CCSBA Staff includes Todd Crandall, Executive Director and Laura Smith, Administrative Assistant.

For more information on Chautauqua County School Boards Association, visit www.ccsba.org.