About · Public record & press
Public record & press
Dated public record from district, government, university, and press sources: where Chris has worked and where he has been invited to contribute. Each item links to its primary source.
Government record
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Witness on AI in K-12 education
Chris Chism was listed as a witness for the April 1, 2025 House hearing on artificial intelligence in K-12 education.
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GovInfo hearing record
The hearing appearance is reflected in the official GovInfo congressional hearing record, giving the testimony a durable federal archive source.
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Mississippi AIR Task Force invited panel appearance
A Mississippi PEER Committee report supports phrasing Chris's role as an invited education panelist before the AIR Task Force.
Press & media coverage
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AI in schools: How teachers plan to use new technology to prepare students for the future
WLBT news coverage of AI adoption in Mississippi schools, positioning Pearl Public School District among districts actively shaping how technology enters the classroom.
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Chism leading the AI charge in Pearl, Mississippi
Rankin County News profiles Chris as the central figure driving AI implementation across Pearl Public School District — the most direct local press coverage of the district's leadership work.
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Training the future: Mississippi expands AI in schools and colleges
Regional education coverage of Mississippi's expanding AI programs in K-12 and higher education — places Pearl's district-level work inside a broader statewide leadership effort.
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More teachers than ever before are trained on AI. Are they ready to use it?
Education Week — the national record of K-12 education — covers how districts are approaching AI professional development. Pearl's teacher training work is part of the national landscape this piece examines.
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How principals are outsourcing their busywork to AI
Education Week examines how school leaders are using AI to reduce administrative overhead — the same operational shift Chris has driven inside Pearl Public School District.
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Vote for National Principals Association Sessions at SXSW EDU
National Principals Association coverage featuring Chris on AI in schools, tied to his 2026 SXSW EDU AI workshop with Derek McCoy and a call to vote for the org's 2027 SXSW EDU session proposals.
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PPSD's Chism Leads the Way with AI Integration and Use
SW Rankin News covers Chris Chism and Pearl Public School District's leadership in AI integration — a follow-up to earlier coverage establishing the district as a model for practical AI adoption in Mississippi schools.
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Pearl Public School District harnessing the power of AI
WLBT features Chris Chism and Pearl Public School District's AI adoption — over 100 training sessions, staff retooling, a district-built internal AI server for sensitive data, and curriculum redesigned around ethical AI use rather than outright bans.
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Pearl High School Seniors Celebrate Tradition and Embrace AI Advancements
WAPT reporter Allie Ware covers Pearl High School seniors navigating tradition and the rise of AI — positioning Pearl Public School District at the leading edge of how Mississippi schools are integrating artificial intelligence into student life.
Recognition, roles & profiles
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Current district role and long-tenure profile
Pearl Public School District identifies Chris as superintendent and says he has dedicated more than 30 years to public education.
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2025-2026 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year
Selected as the 2025-2026 Mississippi Superintendent of the Year, recognized for district leadership and public work in education. Congratulated by both MASA and the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS).
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Hugh I. Peck Research Award and PREPS keynote
William Carey University reported the 2026 Hugh I. Peck Research Award and Chris's keynote role at the PREPS Conference.
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Day of AI Leadership & Innovation Fellowship — MIT
One of two Pearl Public School District representatives at a 50-state MIT gathering on AI policy, responsible implementation, and emerging educational technology. Toured MIT facilities and met with AI engineers exploring applications in education.
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President, Mississippi Professional Educators
Elected President of Mississippi Professional Educators (MPE), the state's premier professional education association with over 13,500 members. Featured as MPE's New President on the cover of the MPE Journal, Spring 2023.
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Cover feature: 'A.I. is Coming Like a Train' — ASBA Report Card
Cover of the Arkansas School Boards Association's Report Card journal (Vol. 19, No. 1) following Chris's keynote at the ASBA Annual Conference. Featured with the headline 'A.I. is coming like a train' and a full-page portrait. The article calls his address 'A.I. the new Industrial Revolution.'
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2020 Practitioner of Distinction — University of Mississippi School of Education
Selected as a 2020 Practitioner of Distinction by the University of Mississippi School of Education, recognizing outstanding alumni whose careers demonstrate excellence in educational practice. Chris holds an M.Ed. from Ole Miss (2011) and was recognized as Principal of Pearl High School and 2018 Mississippi State Administrator of the Year.
Awards and honors are listed on Awards & recognition. Speaking engagements and interviews are on Speaking.
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Media inquiries
For interviews, quotes, or background, include the outlet, deadline, and format.