One of the things I have enjoyed about #100DistrictConversations is seeing the different starting points from which district leaders begin their innovation and change efforts. Neil Gupta is the Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools, a small, high-performing district in Ohio. As a former curriculum director who does not need to focus on turnaround efforts, Neil is able to make STEM connections across content areas and engage small groups of educators in improvement conversations that build buy-in.

"Our district sits right outside of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Dayton, OH, a city known for its patents and innovation. This context underscores the importance of STEM education to our community. We’re in the process of defining our approach; thinking about STEM as Strategies That Engage Minds helps ensure every teacher can see themselves in the work, regardless of what they teach. It is not about high-tech drones or prefabricated solutions, but about engaging students in hands-on, deeper learning aligned with strong curricula.

Our tight-knit schools allow us to get around a table and work through new concepts without compliance-driven mandates. We created STEM Champion positions in each school: leadership opportunities for teachers to apply, form a cohort, receive additional training, and work together to create plans for our district's STEM vision. They also serve in a train-the-trainer model, supporting their peers and creating feedback loops that help inform and determine next steps in our work.

During my first year, we partnered with JASON Learning for their STEM rubric and district designation. The self-reflection process was helpful in conducting a needs assessment. Our STEM Champions were initially uncomfortable rating the district low in certain areas and looked to me for permission to answer this accurately. That honesty became a strength. We received the feedback from JASON and using it to create a roadmap for future steps. JASON provided suggestions without dictating our scope and sequence, with online modules that the STEM Champions utilize on professional development days with teachers.

Now we are tackling AI with the same intentional approach. When a high school student told me 'we're behind on AI,' I responded honestly: 'Before we bring it to you, we need to understand it ourselves.' Our AI Task Force is working with a consultant from Forward Edge. They are getting their hands dirty, and beginning to engage in a process to develop an AI Roadmap that will contain our district's AI definition, our teachers' training, and student implementation plan.

Whether it’s STEM, AI, or another initiative, our aim is always to be invitational and provide space for teachers to explore and take risks before we begin to measure ROI or impact in earnest. Natural scaling, sustainability, and accountability are much more likely to succeed when educators are excited and the buy-in is genuine."