CPS school board to vote on AI contract to be added to district website

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Public School administration is asking the school board on Monday to approve an $11,000 contract to implement a new AI system on the district's website.

If approved, Betty AI or Betty Bot will be added to the website as a new chat feature for users, according to CPS documents. Users will be able to ask Betty Bot questions and find information.

According to Betty AI, Betty Bot has previously been used with another AI program, PropFuel, to help the Missouri State Teachers Association. The MSTA used the software to help members write letters to lawmakers on retirement legislation. The report found that of the over 34,000 emails sent, around 96% of respondents used the AI to help draft a message.

Betty Bot will begin testing with CPS on Nov. 25, if approved. Training will consist of Betty Bot receiving CPS documents and course content for user questions, and two to three rounds of testing with a small group. Betty Bot will then be released to the public once CPS is satisfied with her responses.

Betty AI's team will work with CPS's IT team with routine check-ins and performance reviews. The contract goes through Nov. 24, 2026, and would be covered by CPS' Community Relations Operating budget.

The CPS school board meeting is set for Monday at 6:30 p.m in Columbia's Aslin Administration Building.