Superintendents learned more about the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) growing list of resources about artificial intelligence (AI) during the Superintendents Webcast on Feb. 10, including a proposed coaching model to assist districts with implementing AI.
Marty Park, KDE’s chief digital officer, said the presentation builds off the conversation KDE leaders had with superintendents during the last Superintendents Webcast on Jan. 13 about AI resources the department has developed on the AI in Kentucky K-12 webpage. This includes KDE’s AI in Action Across Kentucky quick list document, which provides information about guidance, academic standards, supports for teachers and students, emerging innovations and professional development opportunities.
Park discussed one of KDE’s additional budget request for lawmakers to consider this session, which includes a baseline funding increase for the Kentucky Education Technology System (KETS) and $800,000 in additional funding for a statewide implementation network of professional learning, and student demonstrations, with a focus across all content areas.
“It’s all about an area of emphasis that encourages and engages and empowers the safe, secure and responsible uses of AI into school efficiency, as well as the learning experiences with our teachers and students,” Park said. “And certainly, all along the way, ensuring humans remain in the loop with strong AI implementations.”
The baseline funding increase for KETS, among other education technology initiatives, covers a digital learning coach network to continue supporting AI strategies statewide and library media specialists to continue providing AI-based engagement opportunities. The KETS funding increase would help KDE incorporate AI into the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology and increase industry certifications in computer science for making AI, along with supporting the Student Technology Leadership Program and the Kentucky Technology Student Association as they embed AI best practices into their learning experiences and activities.
The additional $800,000 funding request would help with the creation of a statewide “Using AI” implementation model, Park explained. This includes the addition of three regional field-based AI implementation coaches to work with content specialists in districts and utilizing existing professional learning networks and working with regional education cooperatives to help develop AI-centered professional development opportunities.
“This is definitely a scale-and-sustain strategy that has worked for us in the past, and we think it would work really well to grow artificial intelligence in safe, secure and responsible ways,” Park said.
All In for Ag Education Week
The next All In for Ag Education week is set for March 16-20 and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture provided superintendents with information about new initiatives and resources for this year’s event highlighting agriculture.
All In for Ag Education Week is a collaboration between KDE, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman to deliver an all-encompassing learning experience for students, equip educators with ready-to-use lessons and foster community involvement to create vibrant learning opportunities on the diverse world of agriculture for students.
Bethany Mattingly, director of agriculture education and outreach at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, explained how the initiative has developed over the past year, including a 21% increase in the number of counties participating in All In for Ag Education Week from spring 2025 to fall 2025.
Mattingly said it has been a group effort with schools and the agriculture community to grow this initiative.
“Just showing at least some growth is great, and we show a significant amount of growth, which is fantastic,” she said. “That would not have happened without your support as superintendents and of course all the educators across the state, and then all those involved in agriculture.”
Mattingly shared several new lesson plan resources and curriculum ideas with superintendents that were developed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the KDE to go along with Kentucky’s academic standards across all subjects. One of the resources includes details on how to lead a “Build a Better Burger” project-based learning challenge where students navigate real-world agricultural issues to make a burger that showcases local ingredients and promotes food safety.
This year’s event also features more opportunities for field trips and labs for elementary school students, along with more professional development opportunities for educators in the summer. The events for students include a virtual tour of Compton Dairy in Adair County and a live question-and-answer panel with the farm owner about his career on March 17.
More resources can be found on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s All In for Ag Education Week website. All In for Ag Education Week is held in the spring and fall each year, with the 2026 fall schedule set for Sept. 21-25.
In other business, superintendents also received updates on the 2026 Kentucky legislative session and ongoing training for the upcoming state SAT administration.
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