“While our students have access to chromebooks, we are not a one-to-one district,” explains Russ Hermann, Technology and Engineering instructor. “ However, the district has made a financial commitment to build and maintain computer labs in all Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms that require professional-grade software aligned with industry standards.” Artificial intelligence is another area where Slinger takes a measured approach rather than blanket adoption or prohibition “Our policy prioritizes academic honesty, and we embrace the use of AI as long as it aligns with that principle,” Brooks states. “We believe it is important for students to engage with AI responsibly.” Marketing educator Kim Smessaert has integrated AI tools like Adobe Express into her curriculum, teaching students to craft detailed prompts for image generation in advertising projects. “I’m all for AI. I think we just have to educate kids on how to do it properly,” Smessaert explains. “It doesn’t take them out of being the creator of it. They are still ultimately at the helm of exactly what they want to create.” The approach treats AI as another professional tool requiring skill and judgment rather than a replacement for creative thinking. CAREER READINESS AND REAL-WORLD LEARNING American businesses increasingly struggle to find skilled workers as baby boomers retire faster than younger employees can replace them, creating opportunities for districts that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Slinger’s career and technical education programs have built relationships with employers within a 30-minute radius, creating pipelines that benefit students and local industry. The district operates a school-based enterprise that functions as a fully operational retail store under strict DECA guidelines. “We have a school-based enterprise, which is our store,” explains Smessaert. “Students can apply for a management role in 333 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 SLINGER SCHOOL DISTRICT
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