In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, Andrew Easton is joined by Kris Hagel, Chief Information Officer of Peninsula School District. Peninsula has been thoughtfully implementing artificial intelligence in K–12 education since early 2023.

Now in their fourth year of AI work, Peninsula offers an honest look at what it takes to move beyond one-off trainings and instead build a sustainable, values-driven approach to AI adoption. Chris shares how early collaboration between instructional leaders and technology teams shaped the district’s direction, why universal design for learning (UDL) remained non-negotiable, and how teachers—especially in English and social studies—have reimagined assessment by focusing on student process rather than just final products.

The conversation also explores practical system-level considerations, including data privacy, vetted tools, local AI models, and the realities districts face when balancing innovation with responsibility. As the episode closes, Andrew and Chris wrestle with one of the most pressing and unresolved questions in education today: students’ growing use of AI for companionship, mental health support, and social connection.

Whether your district is just beginning its AI journey or refining systems already in place, this episode offers grounded insight, cautionary wisdom, and a reminder that meaningful change takes time, trust, and intentional leadership.

To learn more about the tremendous work being done with AI in Peninsula Schools, visit https://psd401.ai/ to access all the resources discussed in this episode.