Anthony Jarrett, the new superintendent of North East Independent School District (NEISD), recently sat down with the San Antonio Report to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the district. Jarrett, who has been in education for over two decades, started his career as a counselor in a San Antonio mental health facility before becoming a teacher and eventually rising through the ranks to become superintendent.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges facing NEISD is declining enrollment, with the district losing over 1,000 students in the past year. This has resulted in a budget deficit, which the district is working to address. Jarrett believes that the key to increasing enrollment is to offer more choices and opportunities for students, such as expanding career and technical education programs.

Another challenge facing the district is the implementation of education savings accounts, which will allow parents to use state funds to pay for private school tuition and education services. Jarrett believes that this will create a new variable in the district’s budgeting process and may lead to further declines in enrollment.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

Jarrett was also asked about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He believes that AI may have a place in education, but that it is still unclear how it can be used effectively and efficiently. The district has created a playbook to help staff use AI, but Jarrett is cautious about its implementation, citing concerns about the potential for AI to prevent students from thinking independently.

Jarrett also discussed the importance of affording students a productive struggle to think independently and apply new knowledge in a meaningful way. He believes that this is essential for students’ academic and intellectual growth.

Legislative Priorities

Jarrett was asked about the legislative priorities for the district, particularly with regards to education policy. He believes that the state should revisit the funding formula for public education and provide more flexibility for school districts to use their funds. He also hopes that the state will put as much energy into funding public education as it has into education savings accounts.

Jarrett also discussed the implementation of Senate Bill 12, which gives parents more control over their children’s education. He believes that the district has adjusted to the new law and is working to provide parents with more choices and opportunities for their children.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.