Florida’s diverse educational landscape.That means no proposal is supported unless it benefits students statewide. “We represent small rural districts with fewer than 1,000 students and massive urban ones with more than 300,000,” Messina says.“We don’t pick winners and losers. If something only benefits one kind of district, it doesn’t go on our platform.” This year’s legislative priorities include hurricane relief, greater local flexibility in decision-making, consistent definitions for chronic absenteeism, and expanded funding for everything from pre-K to workforce programs and school safety. NAVIGATING THE PROMISE AND RISK OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE One of the most forward-looking aspects of FSBA’s work involves technology—particularly artificial intelligence (AI). The association has been guiding school board members to understand both the opportunities and risks of AI in education. “We’re not telling them what to do,” Messina clarifies. “We’re helping them ask the right questions before they develop policies: Who owns the data? What are the risks? How do you protect privacy?” FSBA’s December conference will dive deep into the policy implications of AI in both instruction and operations.“School districts are some of the largest employers in their communities,” she notes. “AI can optimize bus routes, manage payroll, even generate teacher schedules. But without guardrails, it can also pose real challenges.” The association itself is already leveraging AI internally. “I used it just this morning to draft a follow-up email to our board of directors,” Messina says. “Of course, you still have to edit and tailor it, but it saves time and streamlines workflow.” STAYING UNIFIED IN A DIVERSE STATE Maintaining cohesion in a state as diverse as Florida is no small feat. From liberal urban districts to conservative rural ones, FSBA ensures its services and positions remain inclusive and balanced. 431 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 FLORIDA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (FSBA)
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