Indiana Charter School Network Launches AI Readiness Initiative

Effort focuses on responsible classroom use, student data protection, and educator support statewide

Paramount Schools of Excellence, an Indiana-based public charter school network serving students in Indianapolis, Lafayette, South Bend, and online statewide, has launched a new initiative focused on how it uses artificial intelligence (AI) across its schools.

The work reflects the network’s commitment to innovation. The effort is designed to ensure AI tools are used responsibly and ethically, in ways that support teaching and learning—while protecting students, staff, and families.

As AI becomes more common in classrooms and school operations nationwide, Paramount Schools of Excellence is taking a proactive, system-wide approach. Rather than adopting individual tools on a case-by-case basis, the network is examining how AI fits into instruction, operations, and decision-making across all schools.

The initiative includes a full organization AI maturity assessment, structured interviews with key stakeholders, and facilitated working sessions to identify where AI may be helpful, where risks exist, and what guardrails are needed. The findings will guide a multi-year plan that outlines which AI tools may be tested first and how their use will be managed over time.

“This work is about being intentional,” said Tommy Reddicks, CEO at Paramount Schools of Excellence. “AI is already influencing how schools operate and how students learn across Indiana. Our responsibility is to make sure any use protects students, supports educators, and aligns with our values.”

Key parts of the initiative include developing clear guidelines for AI use, practical tools to help staff evaluate new technologies, and decision-making standards for purchasing and implementing AI-powered products. The focus is on instructional value, accessibility, student data privacy, and long-term sustainability rather than adopting technology simply because it is new.

The initiative also includes hands-on workshops for school leaders and staff. These sessions are designed to build shared understanding, establish common language, and help teams make informed decisions as AI tools continue to evolve.

“This is not a one-time assessment,” said Dr. Jody Britten, advisor to the initiative. ”It’s a structured process that helps organizations move from curiosity about AI to clarity of purpose, and from isolated training and experimentation to a coherent AI strategy that moves with you through a continually changing marketplace.”

As the initiative continues, Paramount Schools of Excellence will use ongoing feedback and regular check-ins to refine its approach and ensure alignment with instructional goals, legal requirements, and community trust, priorities that are especially important for public schools serving diverse communities across Indiana.