GILBOA-CONESVILLE — It was a big day at Gilboa-Conesville Central School on Friday, March 13 as the school hosted a Regional Superintendent's Conference Day titled "Stronger Together: Innovation, Intervention and Student Well Being."
According to information provided by GC Superintendent Bonnie Johnson, the event brought together more than 160 faculty members from four partnering school districts across the ONC BOCES region for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration and community.
Participating were educators from South Kortright, Gilboa-Conesville, Jefferson and Roxbury Central Schools who were united under a shared commitment to advancing instructional practice, supporting student mental health and harnessing the power of emerging technology. The conference underscored the profound impact that cross-district collaboration can have on student outcomes when schools lean into their collective strengths.
"This was a wonderful professional day. I enjoyed connecting with colleagues from other schools and learning about tools I can use to improve my instruction," reflected one teacher attendee.
The keynote speaker at the conference was Jeff Pittman, Chief Technology Officer at Onslow County Schools in North Carolina. He addressed the rapid rise of generative Artificial Intelligence, noting that since ChatGPT's launch, the technology has reached over half the U.S. adult population, a pace of adoption that far outstripped the PC (personal computer) and the Internet.
Pittman also shared compelling workforce data: 170 million new jobs are projected to be created due to AI advancements; 80 percent of U.S. workers will have at least 10 percent of their work impacted by AI, and professionals who combine their expertise with AI literacy command 35 percent higher salaries. His message was clear: Schools can no longer afford a "wait and see" approach.
Drawing on Onslow County Schools' own AI journey, including a district-wide rollout of MagicSchool for staff and student pilots that generated overwhelmingly positive feedback, Pittman offered practical lessons for districts at any stage of implementation. He emphasized that success hinges on strong prompting skills, data privacy safeguards, ongoing professional development, and a culture of curiosity and openness. He closed with a challenge that resonated throughout the day: "We no longer have the luxury of saying 'We can't do that.'"
Attendees at the conference participated in three breakout sessions spanning the themes of Artificial Intelligence integration, student mental health support, and innovative instructional practices. Sessions were offered across three time blocks and facilitated by regional educators, BOCES specialists and community partners.
The day was made possible through the generous support of valued school partners who share a commitment to empowering educators and enriching student experiences: Hunt EAS, Magic School, C & S Companies, Synthesis Architects and Mindex.
"This conference was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community of learners," said a district spokesperson. "When over 160 dedicated educators spend a day growing together, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries. We are deeply grateful to our presenters, partners, and the four school communities who made this day possible."
