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Perry County Schools is Leading the Way in Artificial Intelligence Adoption

Perry County Schools is stepping boldly into what many school systems might still find intimidating, the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit students and staff. With forward-thinking leadership, intentional strategy and a willingness to embrace emerging technology, the school system is exploring how AI can be a powerful tool in K–12 education.

While it is important to remain cautious about AI, Perry County chose to explore how AI can support learning, operations and leadership rather than turn away from it. In doing so, the system is positioning itself at the leading edge of educational innovation.

In an AI implementation project documented by education consultant Jeff Utecht, Perry County Schools established a private AI infrastructure that puts control, security and ownership in the hands of the school system rather than relying on external platforms.  

How Does It Work?

PrivatEDu AI, a secure AI system, is created by public school leaders for school leaders and their schools. School systems who wish to host their own AI server directly within their information technology (IT) infrastructure purchase a pre-loaded Mac Mini server that simply plugs into their existing tech stack. The setup gives system's complete control over how AI is used by staff and students while also ensuring that full compliance with FERPA regulations are met. Additionally, systems have the ability to restrict AI access by user groups and utilize custom AI bots that are safely and securely fueled by the system’s own data. 

Perry County created custom AI tools to support key functions:

• A Student Data Bot to help leaders interpret state data and identify trends.

• A Policy Bot trained on district policies to provide clarity and efficiency for staff.

• A Leader Evaluation Bot to assist administrators with walkthroughs and observations all running inside the district’s secure AI environment.

Although artificial intelligence remains new territory for many educators, Perry County’s willingness to own the future has put the system ahead of the curve, setting a model for other systems seeking to responsibly integrate AI into education.

For Perry County Schools, the lesson is clear: by embracing innovation with intention, even small school systems can lead big advances.

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