Chillicothe, MO – The Chillicothe R-II School District has been awarded a grant through the Missouri Partnership for Educational Renewal (MPER) in collaboration with the University of Missouri. The $5,000 grant will fund an innovative project titled “Catching Up with AI in Education,” which focuses on equipping teachers and students with the knowledge and skills to responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
The initiative, led by Melissa Young, Director of Student Services, and supported by Dr. Dan Wiebers, Superintendent, will engage 10 lead teachers from Chillicothe Middle School and Chillicothe High School. These educators will complete a 15-hour AI training course through the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Upon completion, the teachers will serve as in-house experts, training colleagues, guiding the integration of AI into instruction, and collaborating on the creation of district-wide AI policies.
The project will be facilitated in partnership with Dr. Sam Von Gillern, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, who will provide expertise in instructional technology, policy development, and data analysis.
“This grant allows us to be proactive in preparing both teachers and students for a future where AI plays a major role in education and the workplace,” said Superintendent Dr. Dan Wiebers. “We want to ensure our staff have the tools, training, and policies in place to help students use AI responsibly and creatively.”
The district’s vision emphasizes professional development, digital citizenship, and preparing students for 21st-century skills. This project aligns with those goals by:
Training teachers to effectively integrate AI into instruction.
Developing district-wide policies for responsible AI use.
Empowering students to use AI as a tool for critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Sharing findings and resources with neighboring school districts through professional networks and conferences.
Implementation of the project will begin in fall 2025, with policy development expected by spring 2026 and district-wide rollout the following school year.
“This is an exciting step for Chillicothe R-II,” added Melissa Young. “By investing in AI literacy now, we are positioning our educators and students to lead in an ever-changing digital world.”