In this episode of Beyond the Syllabus, host Aidan McDowell sits down with Dr. Laurie Putnam, Superintendent of St. Cloud Area School District 742, and Donna Roper, Director of Research, Assessment, and AI Integration. Together, they share how St. Cloud is approaching one of education's biggest shifts with intentionality, collaboration, and a commitment to keeping students and human connection at the center.
From refusing to simply ban AI to developing district guidelines, hosting AI thought leadership summits, and collaborating across K-12, higher education, industry, and government, Laurie and Donna explain how St. Cloud is building AI literacy while protecting the productive struggle students need to learn. They also explore why access to AI is an equity issue and how emerging technology can create more time for the meaningful human interactions that make education work.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why St. Cloud chose learning and responsible AI use over simply banning the technology
- How AI access and literacy have become an equity issue for school districts
- Why productive struggle still matters in an AI-enabled classroom
- How 'fierce collaboration' helps districts navigate rapid technological change
- Why safety and belonging create the foundation for academic excellence
- How St. Cloud is creating career pathways with employers and higher education partners
- Where AI can improve district workflows without diminishing the importance of educators
- Why human-centered design should guide AI implementation
- How St. Cloud's AI summits turn conversations into actionable prototypes
- Why innovation requires leaders to normalize failure and model vulnerability
- How 'failing forward' can create stronger cultures of experimentation and learning
- Why the future of education should protect curiosity, confidence, joy, and human interaction
Key Moments
04:53 Receiving Minnesota Superintendent of the Year
06:39 Putting AI Integration Into Leadership
09:21 Choosing Responsible AI Over Banning It
11:41 AI Access as an Equity Issue
12:05 Building AI Literacy Through Fierce Collaboration
17:08 Safety and Belonging Before Academic Excellence
19:42 Creating Career Pathways with Industry
23:35 Using AI to Improve District Operations
27:38 Self-Awareness and Human Value in the AI Era
30:43 Building AI Thought Leadership Summits
33:42 Collaborating Across K-12, Higher Ed, and Industry
36:02 Creating a Culture Where Failure Is Expected
41:03 Imagining a More Human Future for Education
Connect with Guests
Dr. Laurie Putnam, Superintendent at St. Cloud Area School District 742
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieannputnam
Webiste: https://www.isd742.org/
Donna Roper, Director of Research, Assessment, and AI Integration at St. Cloud Area School District 742
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-roper-3172697
Webiste: https://www.isd742.org/
Connect with Us
Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-mcdowell
Website: https://uniqlearn.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uniqlearn
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