St. Paul residents will hear a fresh perspective on technology and education at the upcoming at‑large school board race. Kris Taylor, a 43‑year‑old founder of an artificial‑intelligence startup and former job coach for Focus Beyond Transition Services, is running for one of the three city‑wide seats.
AI as a collaborative tool, not a ban
Taylor argues that a moratorium on AI would send the wrong message to both the tech industry and students. “We don’t want to shut the door on innovation,” he told the Sahan Journal. Instead, he proposes a research‑based partnership with vendors that have earned the district’s trust. The goal, he says, is to let high‑school students gain foundational knowledge while keeping parents and teachers involved in the decision‑making process.
Building a teacher pipeline from within
Drawing on his experience as a veteran and a coordinator in a college teacher‑preparation program, Taylor wants to give secondary‑education students the chance to mentor younger learners. He believes that pairing high‑school students—especially those who share a home language with elementary pupils—with elementary classrooms will reinforce the older students’ learning and provide relatable role models for younger children.
Finding savings through city‑wide collaboration
Taylor notes that the school board budget is only one slice of St. Paul’s overall fiscal pie. He urges the district to coordinate with parks and recreation, the library system, and other youth‑focused programs to eliminate overlapping expenses. By streamlining services, the district can protect essential support for families without cutting vital programs.
Standing up for families in a challenging federal climate
The candidate points to what he calls a “federal administration that is so xenophobic” and stresses that the district must protect the children of St. Paul, including English language learners (ELLs). He acknowledges that not all community members are vocal supporters of ELL families, but insists that the district’s response sends a strong signal of welcome and stability.
Addressing enrollment declines and facility use
Taylor highlights two intertwined challenges: a drop in enrollment—partly due to families leaving the district, some under uncertain circumstances—and the financial burden of maintaining a large portfolio of school buildings. He suggests evaluating underused facilities for possible consolidation, renovation, or repurposing, which could free up space for new programs while reducing maintenance costs.
Faith in public education
While Taylor does not frame his platform in religious language, he emphasizes the importance of community values, parental involvement, and the dignity of every child—principles that resonate with families who look to faith for guidance.
What’s next for voters?
Taylor’s campaign will continue to meet families across neighborhoods, from Macalester‑Groveland to the Hmong community near Snelling Avenue. He encourages voters to consider how AI, teacher development, and fiscal responsibility can work together to strengthen St. Paul’s public schools.
“The district’s brand matters less than the passion of families for their schools,” Taylor said. “We need to be bold, collaborative, and focused on the future of our children.”
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
