D230 Tech Leader Guides National Discussion on AI and School Safety

Consolidated High School District 230’s Chief Technology & Operations Officer John Connolly recently presented at the annual Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and was inducted into its Volunteer Hall of Fame.

CoSN is a national conference for K-12 edtech leaders dedicated to innovating safe and engaging education systems.

Connolly led a panel entitled Teaming for Transformation Summit: Physical Safety Systems, AI Opportunities and Risks. Participants discussed ownership and coordination of efforts across departments, identified potential risks, and left with practical strategies for guiding responsible and transparent AI use in their districts. The session explored how building a culture of safety and security using AI can enhance school safety while understanding the challenges it introduces.

Panelists included District 230 Superintendent Robert Nolting, Alexandria City Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay Wyatt and Chief Technology Officer Emily Dillard, and former Goreville Community Unit School District Superintendent Steve Webb.

The CoSN Volunteer Hall of Fame distinction is awarded annually to volunteers who are leaders in the CoSN community. Volunteers contribute to CoSN on committees, leadership, and initiative advisory panels, state chapter boards, and more. The Volunteer Hall of Fame provides a chance to express thanks for their exceptional service over the past year.

District 230 Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting said, “We are incredibly proud to see John Connolly recognized with the CoSN Volunteer Hall of Fame distinction, a well-deserved honor that celebrates his dedication to education technology not only in District 230, but nationwide. His leadership at the local, state, and national levels shows exactly why he is so valued by our district and the broader tech community.”