97% of School Leaders Have Experimented with AI, But Most Still Lack a Policy, New SchoolCEO Report Finds

Survey of superintendents and school communicators reveals AI is reshaping how schools work

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SchoolCEO (powered by Apptegy) today released a new national report, AI and School Leadership: Risk and Opportunity, offering one of the first in-depth looks at how superintendents and school communicators are integrating artificial intelligence into daily district operations.

Based on a survey of 130 education leaders from districts of varying sizes and regions, along with interviews with early adopters across the U.S., the study reveals a profession eager to embrace AI’s potential, but still unprepared for its implications.

According to the findings, 97% of school leaders and communicators have personally experimented with AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Canva’s AI features. The study found that 69% of respondents say their district does not yet have a formal AI policy, underscoring gaps in governance, staff training, and data security. However, leaders are using these tools to reduce administrative burdens, analyze community feedback, draft communications, and even inform strategic planning, freeing up more time to focus on students and relationships.

“Speaking personally, and from a central office perspective, this has really streamlined my work, and honestly, it’s done wonders for my well-being. In a small district where we all wear a lot of hats and don’t have much extra help, the AI has been a total game-changer,” said Dr. Corey Smith, South Putnam Community Schools. “ It’s allowed me to get so much more done in less time, and it’s helped me look really good to my school board, too. The summaries and reports I can now provide give them clear, useful information that I just didn’t have time to put together before."

Key Findings:

• 97% of superintendents, administrators, and communicators say they’ve used AI tools in their work.
• 87% describe themselves as familiar or very familiar with AI.
• Communications professionals lead adoption, reporting both the highest usage rates and the widest variety of tools.
• Most AI usage occurs within existing platforms like Gmail and Canva, suggesting integration is happening organically rather than through district mandates.
• Common uses: drafting parent newsletters, translating messages for accessibility, summarizing survey results, creating visuals, and managing RFPs.
• Top concerns: data privacy, algorithmic bias, and lack of professional development.

While enthusiasm for AI is high, the report emphasizes that systemic barriers, particularly those related to policy, training, and trust, must be addressed before districts can safely scale up AI use.

“School leaders see AI as a tool to reclaim time and streamline work, not replace people,” said Brittany Keil, SchoolCEO's senior manager of media and research, “The next challenge is helping districts move from experimentation to intentional, responsible use.”

Download the full report: AI and School Leadership: Risk and Opportunity

About Apptegy

Trusted by more than 5,000 districts nationwide, Apptegy empowers school districts to elevate their brands while simplifying their communications strategies. Apptegy’s platform powers district websites, mobile apps, notifications, and teacher-family communication tools. With exceptional client support and intuitive solutions, Apptegy allows educators to focus on what matters most: educating, engaging, and growing their communities. Learn more at apptegy.com.