Satire: liberty principal replaced by a.i.

By Ayden Myers

Academy District 20 has recently started to cut back on district spending, as a result, the Liberty High School Principal Mr. Richard Caldwell was replaced due to budget cuts.

Normally this wouldn’t be considered an issue, many students assumed Caldwell was replaced due to poor decisions on his part. However, that is far from the reason for his dismissal, the district has opted to replace Liberty’s Principal with AI.

According to Academy District 20 Board of Director Jordan Calloway, he was asked why the District is choosing an AI alternative to human authority, he stated, “Our decision was based on a combination of efficiency, cost- effectiveness, and data- driven leadership. AI can process vast amounts of data instantly, ensuring fair and consistent decision making. It eliminates human biases, takes charge of administrative tasks, and allows for real-time performance analysis of both students and teachers.”

Calloway strikes a strong argument about the benefits of AI, however, students and parents are still worried about AI’s effect on student education and academic performance. When Calloway was asked about the future effects of AI and education, he stated, “We understand those concerns, and that’s why we’ve designed this system to work collaboratively with educators, not replace them. The AI principal will handle scheduling, discipline policies, and administrative oversight, freeing teachers and counselors to focus more on student engagement.”

It’s been established on why the district is choosing to replace the principal with AI, but its performance is the real question. Junior Alex Ramirez has gotten to witness the AI’s applications, and its processes for managing Liberty High School.

Ramirez found the AI to be great at multitasking, organizing all staff and work procedures to complete designated tasks by certain deadlines. 

Along with this, the AI has done an excellent job at making decisions for the school. The AI has helped with funding by starting fundraisers, and profitable organizations to fund Liberty’s sport programs, art and music departments, and more importantly, Liberty’s CTE program.

 The AI principal has been found to be very adaptable in helping with not only school organization, but academic success. The AI has innovated a learning program available to all students on the district provided computer. The program called EduPulse, helps students learn in every subject, by creating step by step solutions for complex problems, and demonstrating every key element that goes into that particular subject. After each lesson, students are given points that they can redeem at DECA, for free snacks and drinks.

EduPulse has been a massive success at Liberty, according to Assistant principal Tessa Manning, She stated “Test Scores have been up 45% because of the website. Students are now having a positive academic experience with the website, as it not only is adaptable to students' learning needs, but it also gives students something to work towards.”

However, even though the AI has had substantial benefits, it’s clear there's some flaws in it’s processes. Many issues Ramirez came across include, Lack of Human Empathy, Limited Contextual Understanding, Bias in Data, Accountability issues, and Privacy Concerns.

In general, the applications behind the AI have been seen as mostly beneficial, but how are the students affected by the AI? Alex Ramirez interviewed multiple students about the matter… Sophomore Chase Miller found the AI interesting, he stated “Honestly, I think it's kind of cool. I mean the AI never gets tired or biased, so it seems fairer. It makes me feel like the rules are more consistent, which is pretty refreshing. I’m still getting used to it. But overall, it’s a neat change.

Along with Miller's statement, Freshman Avery Collins had concerns with the AI, she stated, “I’m not totally sold on it yet. It’s interesting and all, but sometimes it feels like something’s missing - you know, the human touch. When you have a problem, you want someone who understands emotions, not just data. I’m curious to see if it can handle the social side of things as well as the administrative stuff.”

Moreover, Senior Maria Lopez had mixed feelings about the new AI, she stated, “I think it’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. On one hand, it promises a more objective and efficient school environment, which could make things less stressful. But on the other hand, I’m a bit anxious about how it will handle personal issues  - like when you need someone to talk to who really gets you. It’s a big change, and I’m hoping it’ll improve things without losing human connection.”

It’s definitely evident that AI taking over as principal is going to be a substantial change among Liberty High School. AI is certainly beneficial when it comes to planning, processing, and conquering the duties of the school. Although, AI lacks connection to students, and doesn’t fully understand what it takes to run Liberty high school… Only time will tell if this change is for the better, or for the worse.