When Students Lead, Innovation Follows: AI and Literacy at Ridgewood Local Schools

What if students weren’t just learners — but problem-solvers?At Ridgewood Local Schools, a group of senior honors students identified a growing literacy challenge and decided to do something about it. The result: an AI-powered platform that allows students to generate their own stories, read at their level, and build stronger engagement with reading.In this episode of Leading the Way, host Scott Gerfen talks with the students behind the project and their teacher, Lester McCurdy, about how the idea came to life and why it’s gaining national attention.You’ll hear:How the project started from a real classroom need.What makes student-created storytelling so effective.How the platform supports both students and teachers.Why equity and multilingual access were built in from the start.What students gained from leading the work.Lessons for districts looking to empower student innovation.The team’s work has already taken them to Washington, D.C., where they met with leaders from government and major tech companies. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on AI in schools — not as a shortcut, but as a tool for deeper learning, creativity and ownership. For more resources, training and advocacy updates from the Ohio School Boards Association, visit ohioschoolboards.org.