January 1, AI Rushed Into Schools Leaves Kids At Risk

Wyatt’s Take

• AI technology is being rushed into schools without proper oversight.
• Local school boards lack the resources to make safe decisions on student data and contracts.
• Federal incentives push fast adoption, risking student privacy and taxpayer money.

AI systems are being pushed into American classrooms fast, driven by government support and promises of better learning. But many school boards have no clear idea of the dangers or what they are really signing up for.

Washington is urging schools to jump into contracts for AI without setting clear rules or proper protection for students. Tech companies are jumping in, eager for profit, while local leaders don’t have the tools or guidance to know what to trust.

“In April, President Trump signed an executive order fast-tracking AI adoption in schools, aiming to make students ‘AI-literate’ and competitive in tomorrow’s workforce.”

Board members aren’t trained in cybersecurity or technology, yet they’re expected to manage contracts worth millions and oversee complicated systems that track sensitive information about children.

There have already been major breaches. In one case, hackers exposed thousands of student records in Los Angeles. Another vendor mishandled student data and cost taxpayers millions after fraud was uncovered.

Some places, like Miami-Dade, started by banning AI, then moved slowly and carefully to allow tech under strict control. That cautious approach is rare, as most districts move ahead without enough legal or technical help.

Current laws don’t cover how new technology scans kids’ school work or stores their personal information in large company databases. With little guidance, school boards can easily pick tools that put students at risk.

“Vendors can overpromise and underdeliver with the knowledge that most school boards aren’t equipped to push back.”

AI can help teachers and students in the right circumstances. But until proper guardrails are in place, school districts should not be forced into decisions they don’t fully understand.

Schools need clear privacy rules, simple contracts, and strong cybersecurity funding before new technology gets into every classroom. Otherwise, students—and taxpayers—face serious risks from rushed decisions and broken promises.

If we want to prepare kids for a tech-driven future, we must first make sure their schools are ready and safe. Jumping in blindly means learning the hard way at our kids’ expense.

Wyatt Matters

Middle America values protecting our kids above all else. Parents expect schools to use common sense and careful planning when it comes to new technology, not chasing the latest fad from Washington or Silicon Valley. Our communities know the price is too high for mistakes made with student privacy or tax dollars. Raising young Americans should always come before lining corporate pockets.

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