KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Kennewick School District has been selected as one of ten districts statewide to participate in a new artificial intelligence initiative with Microsoft. This multi-year program includes grant funding and consulting support aimed at preparing students for an AI-driven future.
District leaders announced that the partnership will bring new funding, training and resources to Kennewick classrooms, all centered around AI. While school officials are excited about this opportunity, some parents are worried about the implications of increased AI use for their children.
The Kennewick School District will receive a $75,000 grant along with $25,000 in Microsoft-funded consulting as part of the Elevate Washington initiative. The goal is to increase student access to artificial intelligence while training teachers and principals to use it responsibly in the classroom.
“To be selected as one of the districts from Microsoft to participate in the elevate grant, it is exciting. It provides some funding and learning that we wouldn’t necessarily have access to,” said Tina Brewer, a member of the Kennewick School District.
Brewer mentioned that the district has already started trainings and guidance around AI use, with students and staff expected to see changes quickly.
“Students and staff will be able to see the impact of this funding right away,” said Brewer.
However, not everyone is convinced AI belongs in the classroom. Kennewick parent Harmony Lowry, whose child attends Chinook Middle School, expressed concerns that AI could impact students’ critical thinking abilities.
“I do have an issue with it being used for like, say, writing in English assignment, because it takes out the critical thinking skills where my daughter needs to be able to think for herself and put words on paper herself,” said Lowry.
District leaders emphasized that student safety and responsible use remain priorities as they develop their plan. They stressed that the goal is not to replace learning but to prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
Planning meetings on the specifics of how the grant funding will be used are scheduled to happen later this month.
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