Regional education office: free generative-AI training offered to Kane County districts

The Kane County Regional Office of Education told the Public Service Committee on April 23 that it has secured a State Board of Education grant to offer generative-AI training to school districts free of charge this year.

Katie, a regional education trainer, said the training covers seven domains and blends operational and academic topics so districts can build AI frameworks that align with strategic plans. "I'm the only regional certified trainer in Illinois," Katie said, adding that she used grant funding to offer pilot programs in Batavia, Central, and West Aurora and planned sessions in Geneva and other districts.

The presenter said the work focuses on both security and curriculum alignment: districts should intentionally use AI to prepare students for the future while protecting data. Committee members raised concerns about academic integrity and the limitations of AI-detection tools. One member asked how schools can "detect and defeat AI" when students use generative systems for papers; Katie recommended designing assessments and activities that cannot be completed by GenAI alone and involving English teachers in planning.

The regional office also detailed other district activities: an educator-of-the-year celebration with 49 nominees, visits to schools by professional learning teams, a civic youth presentation competition, and the use of an educational assistance dog named Emmy to help reduce student anxiety during assessments. The office invited board members to upcoming events and said staff would continue outreach to support districts implementing the training and related programs.

No formal committee action was taken on the report; staff said they are available for follow-up questions.