Dr. Michael Dittrich, Director of Operations for the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, was honored to present at the Missouri Plant Managers Association (MSPMA) Day Conference, held at the Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

The conference featured engaging sessions on several timely topics, including how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in daily tasks, how to utilize social media in operational roles, an overview of the TIPS Efficiency program—an interlocal purchasing system MRH uses to generate district savings—and the management of natural turf.

Dr. Dittrich was invited to speak after Charley Branham, President of MSPMA, visited MRH and observed how he has been providing professional development to his leadership team around the use of artificial intelligence. His session, titled "AI in School Operations," focused on real-world applications of AI designed to enhance operational efficiency and leadership effectiveness within school systems.

During his presentation, Dr. Dittrich emphasized that AI is not here to replace human roles, but rather to serve as a supportive “cog in the system,” enabling school operations professionals to work smarter, not harder. He described how AI is already being used at MRH to improve cleaning through robotic scrubbers, draft essential documents such as Requests for Proposals and Quotes, translate communication for multilingual staff, and analyze reports and help create procedures for new initiatives.

His presentation offered a practical and hands-on look at how districts can begin implementing AI tools today to foster more efficient, safer, and responsive learning environments.