Generational Change and the Evolution of Technology
My interest in AI is personal and professional. As a grandparent to a member of Generation Alpha, I am acutely aware that her educational experience will be vastly different from that of previous generations.
As a member of Generation Jones — the cohort between Baby Boomers and Gen X — I have witnessed the evolution from DOS commands on early computers to today’s sophisticated AI tools, each innovation reshaping the responsibilities of school business officials. Tasks that once took weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, supported by industry benchmarks and data-driven insights.
The most effective use of AI is as a research partner, not a solution provider, with all outputs verified through traditional research methods.
Practical Applications in the Education Space
AI can streamline daily operations in school business offices, from transforming complex financial data into clear budget narratives to identifying inefficiencies in facilities management. Integrating district data with industry benchmarks enables staff to conduct analyses previously reserved for consultants, saving time and improving community engagement.
The most effective use of AI is as a research partner, not a solution provider, with all outputs verified through traditional research methods.
Benefits of AI in education administration include:
Risks, Considerations, and Challenges
Despite its benefits, AI introduces risks that require careful management.
The biggest challenge in adopting AI is psychological, not technical. Many administrators recall initial hesitation with new technologies, such as Excel. Framing AI adoption as a team learning experience helps build confidence and democratizes access to new tools. Starting with low-risk applications, such as utility analysis or process documentation, allows staff to experiment and develop standards for responsible use.
Maintaining professional integrity is also vital yet challenging. Upholding professional integrity is essential when integrating AI into school business operations. AI should serve as a preparatory tool rather than a production mechanism, with significant contributions treated as collaborative authorship. Libraries and academic databases are crucial for verifying AI outputs and supporting a culture of intellectual integrity.
Other challenges include:
Recommendations for Responsible AI Use
School business leaders should:
Looking Ahead: The Future of School Business Practice
As AI assumes more complex analytical tasks, the role of school business administrators will shift toward strategic thinking, community engagement, and problem-solving that requires human discernment.
Routine data analysis will become automated, freeing professionals to focus on interpretation, communication, and relationship-building. This transformation demands deliberate preparation, including AI literacy, prompt engineering, and data verification skills.
AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance productivity, analytical quality, and the strategic impact of school business officials. Successful adoption requires a thoughtful approach that maintains professional integrity and prioritizes educational excellence.
By combining innovation with ethical standards, school business leaders can use AI to better serve their students and communities, ensuring that technology enhances — rather than replaces — human expertise.