As financial pressures mount and skepticism towards screen-based learning rises, the Peninsula School District in Washington is turning to innovative solutions to address its educational technology needs. District administrators are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to develop proprietary software that could replace some existing educational technology products. This initiative, often referred to as “vibe coding,” is part of a broader effort to demonstrate a positive return on investment amidst declining enrollment and increasing scrutiny of technology in classrooms.
Kris Hagel, the district’s chief information officer, indicated that this new approach could lead to savings of up to $250,000 by the 2026-27 school year through the cancellation of certain ed tech contracts. The district has already pinpointed several software subscription tools it plans to forgo, including a workflow automation application for HR and finance called Informed K12. Hagel noted that while vibe coding may not completely replace all educational tools, there are several “low-hanging fruit” opportunities that are ripe for in-house development.
Hagel explained that the district is critically evaluating its past ed tech purchases and realizing that many tools are less complex than initially perceived. “We’re looking really critically at what we can do internally and save money,” he stated. This introspective analysis aligns with the district’s goal to maximize the utility of its existing resources.
Exploring Vibe Coding
Vibe coding, a term introduced in 2025 by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, employs generative AI tools to create software through simple text prompts. Hagel detailed that the Peninsula School District combines vibe coding with “agentic software engineering,” which involves a select group of staff who are more familiar with coding actively participating in the development process.
Several administrators at the district, many of whom lack formal computer science training, have subscribed to Claude Code at $200 per month to assist in software creation. The district also employs its own private generative AI system, dubbed AI Studio, which costs around $600 monthly. This system maintains strict data privacy and processing agreements with leading AI platforms, including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude, ensuring that any personally identifiable information remains secure.
Beyond replacing existing tools, the district is leveraging AI to create new applications that would otherwise be financially unfeasible through external vendors. For instance, James Cantonwine, the director of research and assessment, recognized the need for an interactive feedback mechanism for teachers. In response, he developed LessonLens, an AI-driven coaching app that allows educators to upload audio and video recordings from their classrooms and receive tailored feedback based on instructional frameworks.
Launched recently, the app maintains privacy for users, as the district does not have access to individual usage data. Cantonwine emphasized that the app is optional for teachers, allowing for voluntary participation while also expressing intent to develop further applications, such as an AI-powered dashboard to streamline purchasing requests for career and technical education resources.
District leaders advise caution for other educational institutions considering vibe coding. Cantonwine suggests that districts first select a coding application and then identify specific problems that current ed tech solutions fail to address. Hagel echoed this sentiment, recommending that initial experiments with vibe coding avoid using personally identifiable information, allowing users to explore the technology’s capabilities safely. As districts become more comfortable, they can begin developing secure, district-specific applications.
“Just try and see what you can build,” Hagel encouraged, while also emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting for any AI-generated solutions. “You can’t just throw up any old thing that AI writes for you. There’s got to be some vetting going on behind the scenes on that to make sure that it’s being done safely.”
While Peninsula has faced challenges in proving the return on investment from its previous ed tech purchases, Cantonwine asserted the importance of rigorously assessing both vibe-coded solutions and vendor contracts moving forward. This initiative not only aims to enhance educational outcomes but also seeks to foster a sustainable financial model for future technology investments.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
