Initiative supports school systems in planning for thoughtful, mission-aligned approaches to generative AI adoption
KEDC Ashland, KY, April 11, 2025—The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Dr. Rachel Holbrook, Director of Data Services, has been selected as a Lead Trainer for the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative, a project of The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA).
Holbrook is one of just twelve education professionals selected from across the country for this role. The initiative is designed to help K-12 school districts, especially small and rural school systems, assess their preparedness for generative AI (Gen AI) and develop thoughtful implementation strategies aligned with their goals and values.
Holbrook was selected based on deep expertise in Gen AI and emerging technologies, training and development, and the ability to lead hands-on professional learning for district decision-makers across diverse roles.
“We are excited for Dr. Holbrook to have been selected as a Lead Trainer,” said Nancy Hutchinson, Executive Director, at KEDC. “She is widely recognized in our organization for her skills as a facilitator and commitment to innovation. We look forward to supporting her in her efforts to bring this work to the districts we serve.”
Lead Trainers will play a central role in the success of the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative. In addition to delivering professional development to local school systems, they will help refine the training content to ensure it meets the needs of school systems in diverse contexts. They will also mentor a cohort of Regional Trainers who will extend the program’s reach to additional geographic areas and help scale its impact nationwide.
“We are thrilled with the exceptional quality, expertise, and dedication of our Lead Trainers,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “During our first in-person meeting in March, it was instantly clear that we’ve assembled an extraordinarily talented group. Their deep knowledge of AI and emerging technologies, combined with their ability to engage district decision-makers across a range of roles, makes them invaluable to the success of this initiative. Navigating this complex topic requires thoughtful attention to risks and opportunities. Our Lead Trainers will be instrumental in guiding school systems through that process, while also training and mentoring a cohort of Regional Trainers who will extend the initiative’s impact even further.”
“We are excited to partner with CoSN on the Building Capacity for Generative AI in K–12 Education initiative,” said Joan Wade, Executive Director of AESA. “The Lead Trainers selected for this work represent some of the most forward-thinking professionals from education service agencies across the country. Their expertise, combined with their commitment to supporting schools and districts, is exactly what’s needed to bring this complex and important topic to life. In addition, their support of Regional Trainers—who will carry this work forward into districts within their regions and states—will help schools across the country apply this knowledge in meaningful and practical ways. This collaboration marks a significant opportunity for schools to build confidence and capacity around emerging technologies, and AESA is honored to contribute to that work.”
The Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education initiative is anchored by the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Generative AI Maturity Tool, a comprehensive framework that helps districts assess readiness across seven key domains, including leadership, operations, data, technology, security, legal/risk, and academic AI literacy. The tool provides a clear pathway for creating thoughtful, responsible strategies for Gen AI adoption at the district level.
Educators and district leaders are encouraged to explore the Maturity Tool and watch for upcoming training opportunities hosted by KEDC. These sessions will help teams identify strengths, uncover gaps, and chart a sustainable course for implementation that reflects their unique goals and values.
Media Contact:
Name: Carla Kersey
Title: Director of Marketing
Organization: Kentucky Educational Development Corporation
Email: carla.kersey@kedc.org
Phone: 606-620-8253