During the 80th annual FSBA/FADSS conference, Leonard Dietzen discussed the real challenges school districts face when launching AI initiatives. He discussed the accelerating challenges school districts face in keeping pace with generative AI.

He offered practical guidance on building adaptable AI policies. Adoption of an AI Policy is only the beginning point. Training teams on the evolving dos and don’ts to ensure safe, effective, and responsible use across our schools will be an ongoing activity.

With statewide budget pressures and millions of students and employees already using these tools, he emphasized the need for proactive leadership, starting with an AI Task Force that includes teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

Drawing from experiences across Florida, the discussion unpacked the political, structural, and resource barriers that cause projects to stall before they begin. Participants gained insights into navigating departmental turf wars, building administrator buy-in, and supporting teachers through implementation. The session also addressed the lack of dedicated funding, the uncertainty over where AI oversight belongs, and the expertise gap in evaluating tools for educational use.