AI at Mid-Pacific

At Mid-Pacific Institute, our mission calls us to cultivate “world-ready learners who make a positive impact.” Our commitment to deeper learning puts that mission into practice: students learn to think critically, approach challenges with compassion, and take charge of their own education through experiences rooted in the real world. In that spirit, AI at our school is not just about innovation, but about the intention behind how we use this powerful technology: to deepen human connection, creativity, and purpose. As we guide our students to become fully world-ready, we strive to balance curiosity with ethical responsibility, ensuring technology remains a force for both intellectual growth and the common good. In the evolving landscape of AI, our measure of success will not be technological skill alone, but also the character, compassion, and wisdom with which our students shape the future.

AI Advisory Council

Guiding this work is the Mid-Pacific AI Advisory Council, which brings together educators, technologists, scholars, and industry leaders to shape the school's approach to AI across four areas: research, governance, educational practice, and community outreach. Now in its third year, the council shapes how AI is integrated across the school, bringing outside perspective into decisions that affect teaching, policy, and school operations. Each summer, the council brings that work to a wider audience through the EdFuture Summit, where educators, industry partners, students, and families share real-world case studies, explore emerging tools, and build connections across education, industry, and community that carry into the school year.

AI Advisory Council: Expanded Purpose
AI Advisory Council: Guiding Tenets

AI Advisory Council: Expanded Purpose

Research

Keep current with the latest generative AI (GAI) tools
Explore how to leverage GAI tools with a focus on integrating technologies across the curriculum
Explore challenges posed by GAI, including bias, disinformation, cheating, privacy, teacher-student relationships, and the digital divide

Governance

Develop and share effective policies regarding the use of GAI tools by employees and students on and off campus

Educational Practice

Exploring and recommending methods to integrate GAI tools across the curriculum, with a focus on how students will learn how to use GAI to enhance critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and communication across grades and subject areas
Develop and offer new courses and programs related to immersive technology and GAI, with a focus on preparing students for careers in multiple fields

Community

Collaborate with other schools, universities and industry partners locally and nationally to research, discover, and share best practices focused on K-12 education
Engage with the wider education community via Kupu Hou Academy to promote awareness, understanding and classroom applications of GAI
Promote the mission of the Center through publications, presentations, and public events and appearances by Mid-Pacific students, faculty and leaders

AI Advisory Council: Guiding Tenets

Ethical and Responsible use of GAI

The committee will use multiple industry resources to identify guiding tenets that emphasize the ethical and responsible use of GAI in K-12 education. This includes considering issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential impact on student well-being.

Student-Centered Design

The committee will prioritize student-centered design when developing and implementing GAI systems and coursework in K-12 education. The needs, preferences, and experiences of students will be considered throughout the design process.

Transparency and Explainability

The committee will emphasize transparency and explainability when implementing GAI systems and curricular recommendations in K-12 education.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

The committee will prioritize inclusivity and accessibility when developing and implementing GAI systems and curricular recommendations in K-12 education.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

The committee will establish processes for continuous monitoring and evaluation of GAI systems and curricular recommendations in K-12 education. Consistent assessment of the impact of GAI systems and curricular recommendations on student outcomes will be a priority.

Professional Learning and Training

The committee will promote professional learning for educators and education leaders on the use of GAI in K-12 education. Kupu Hou Academy will provide educators and educational partners with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement GAI systems and curricular recommendations in their classrooms and school systems.

Collaboration and Partnership

The committee will foster collaborative partnerships among education stakeholders, including K-12 and higher education instructors, administrators, parents, and students.

AI Advisory Council Members

Council Leadership

Ron Yara

Board of Trustees
Mid-Pacific

Japjit Tulsi

Former CTO
Matterport

Louis Stewart

Head of Strategic Initiatives
NVIDIA

Vered Shwartz, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science
University of British Columbia & Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute

John Nash, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Department of Educational Leadership Studies
University of Kentucky

Jason D’olier

Executive Vice President Artificial Intelligence
Bank of Hawaii

Mark Sparvell

Global Education Director
Microsoft

Emile Loza de Siles, J.D.

AI and Law Scholar
Assistant Professor of Law
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
William S. Richardson School of Law
Technology Lawyer
IEEE-USA Artificial Intelligence Policy Committee