Florida AI Education Task Force Earns National Recognition in Washington
Florida AI Education Task Force Earns National Recognition in Washington
I had the privilege of being invited to Washington, D.C., to join a small delegation representing the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force at the EDSAFE AI Alliance Policy Lab Summit on May 5, a national gathering focused on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in education policy and practice.
During the summit, the EDSAFE AI Alliance presented the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force with the 2026 State Policy Lab Torchbearer Award, recognizing its leadership in advancing responsible, student-centered AI integration across schools.
“The Torchbearer Award honors trailblazers in artificial intelligence policy,” said Andrea Claver, Project Manager for the EDSAFE AI Alliance. “Recipients are more than early adopters. They are community builders who actively share their work and support others as they take their first steps forward.”
She further noted that the Florida team “represents a powerful statewide coalition committed to ensuring AI implementation is safe, fair, and equitable for all students,” highlighting the collaboration and purpose-driven leadership that defines the initiative.
The Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force brings together educators, researchers, district leaders, industry partners, and policymakers from across the state. Its mission is to ensure artificial intelligence is introduced into schools in ways that are safe, equitable, and grounded in strong educational practice.
At the center of this effort is the CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education at the University of Florida, which provides research leadership and statewide coordination. The initiative is also supported by Griffin Catalyst and includes participation from public, charter, and private schools, community colleges, education technology organizations, and parent and teacher groups.
The delegation in Washington included Dr. Maya Israel, Director of the UF CS Everyone Center; Roberto J. Alonso of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Miami Dade College Board of Trustees, and Co-Chair of the FSBA AI in Education Committee; and myself, a former President of the Florida School Boards Association and Co-Chair of its AI in Education Committee. Each of us serves as a founding member of the task force, representing a blend of research, governance, and classroom-facing experience.
Dr. Israel’s work has been central in ensuring the initiative remains grounded in research and closely aligned with real classroom needs. Mr. Alonso has helped bridge policy and governance, supporting alignment between district priorities, workforce expectations, and statewide education goals.
The Florida School Boards Association has also played an important supporting role by helping connect school board leaders across the state to emerging issues in AI policy, implementation, and student readiness.
It was also meaningful to represent not only the statewide task force but also my local district. I am proud to serve alongside colleagues from the Citrus County School District, including Kathy Androski, Eileen Sidor, Rikako DeGroot, and Trish Kahler, whose work reflects the strong district-level commitment that underpins this broader statewide effort.
The EDSAFE AI Alliance, which presented the award, is a global coalition focused on building trust in artificial intelligence in education. Its SAFE Framework emphasizes Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Efficacy, providing a structured approach to ensuring that AI tools enhance learning while protecting students.
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment in education, as the connection between learning and the workforce is being rapidly reshaped by technological change.
Research from the Institute for the Future estimates that 85 percent of the jobs expected in 2030 have not yet been invented, meaning today’s students are largely preparing for careers that either do not yet exist or will look dramatically different from those of today.
At the same time, the global labor market reflects both disruption and growth. The World Economic Forum projects that while automation may displace about 92 million jobs by 2030, it is also expected to create roughly 170 million new roles, resulting in net job growth worldwide. Yet access to these opportunities will depend heavily on skills alignment.
That shift is already visible in hiring trends. Workforce data from Microsoft and LinkedIn shows that 71 percent of leaders prefer a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them, and two-thirds would not hire candidates lacking those skills entirely. AI literacy and adaptability are quickly becoming baseline expectations rather than optional advantages.
Against this backdrop, the work of the task force becomes more urgent. The challenge is not only to integrate artificial intelligence responsibly into education, but to ensure students are developing the skills needed to succeed in a workforce evolving faster than traditional systems were designed to support.
The central goal remains clear: ensuring every student, regardless of geography or background, has access to the tools, learning experiences, and opportunities needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.
As this work continues, collaboration among educators, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners will remain essential. The recognition in Washington reflects meaningful progress, but it also reinforces a deeper responsibility to keep students at the center of every decision moving forward.
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This year, our family had the profound honor of presenting the 2nd Annual James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship at the Crystal River High School Senior Awards Ceremony.
Ava Newton will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She sees the science behind health care not simply as a field of study, but as a pathway to transform lives. Her passion lies in using STEM as the foundation for modern medicine, with goals that include developing new pharmaceuticals and advancing bionic technologies to improve patient outcomes. Her curiosity, academic excellence, and strong sense of purpose reflect both the spirit of this award and the heart of the chemical engineering profession.
Jeremiah “Jerry” Randall will attend Florida Southern College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in pre-dental studies. He has earned acceptance into the Early Acceptance Program for the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, a distinction that reflects both his dedication and preparation. Known for his leadership and genuine compassion, he brings academic discipline and a service-minded character to his future in dentistry.
Keira Elizabeth Lee will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. For her, veterinary medicine is a calling rooted in advocacy and protection for animals who cannot speak for themselves. She is especially driven to preserve exotic species and improve animal welfare. Her clinical strength, compassion, and determination reflect both her potential and the deeper purpose guiding her path.
Lane Komara will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He is motivated by the critical connection between animal health and the well-being of agricultural communities. His goal is to provide dependable care to livestock producers and farming families. His work ethic, humility, and resilience form a strong foundation for a life of service in veterinary medicine.
Kaitlyn Smith will attend Fordham University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. She is drawn to understanding the complexities of the human brain and neurological disorders. Her aspiration is to become a neurologist who not only treats illness but also advocates for comprehensive and compassionate care. Her initiative, leadership, and academic drive define her commitment to this field.
Jeralyn Marie Lay will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Animal Behavior. She is passionate about improving the mental and behavioral health of animals, including exotic species. Her approach combines compassion with scientific curiosity, reflecting a commitment to healing through behavioral insight and care.
Julia Santiago will attend the College of Central Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is dedicated to pediatric care and aspires to serve communities in need as a travel nurse. Her resilience, maturity, and sense of purpose reflect a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
James E. Kennedy Sr. and Clarine Kennedy shared nearly 58 years of marriage and more than five decades of devoted service in health care and health care administration. Their lives were grounded in Christian principles, with a shared commitment to healing, dignity, and service to others.
Today I had the honor of attending the solemn Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony in Inverness. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of the sacrifice made by those who have served and protected our community.
There is a unique energy that fills the air when a community comes together to celebrate a milestone built on service, growth, and shared vision. Today, that energy was on full display under the pavilion in Lecanto as we gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA.
I am especially proud to reflect on the bold step the Citrus County School Board and the YMCA took together a decade ago. At the time, we entered into a visionary 25-year agreement that was designed with one singular goal in mind: saving lives. Back then, drowning was (and remains) the leading cause of death for children in Florida. By partnering with the Y, we ensured that every elementary student in our district would have access to life-saving water safety programs. Not only did this agreement protect our children, but through the public and private partnership, it was also a win for taxpayers, saving approximately $425,000 in general fund costs over the life of the contract. Seeing that vision flourish ten years later is a testament to the power of long-term thinking. (Read more from than at: 
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