Bridging AI and Innovation Gaps in Rural Education with Dr. Nicholas Wade

de•code

In this episode of Decode, we’re live from the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego with Dr. Nicholas Wade, Superintendent of Columbia Union School District in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills. Leading a "small but mighty" rural K–8 district, Dr. Wade brings a compelling mix of grit, strategy, and heart to the conversation around AI, digital equity, and future-ready learning.

We explore how his team is turning geographic disadvantage into opportunity—leveraging partnerships, innovative tools, and intentional training to reimagine what’s possible for students and educators. From building AI literacy through Amanda Bickerstaff’s AI for Education to collaborating with Elevate K12 to expand course access, Dr. Wade demonstrates what it means to lead with purpose in a changing educational landscape.

Timestamps

00:00 – Opening remarks and the ASU+GSV “Davos of Education”

01:19 – Introducing Columbia Union: rural redefined

04:32 – Broadband, equity, and the post-COVID shift

06:38 – CTE, exposure vs. mastery, and blended learning models

09:34 – Data-driven growth and student achievement

11:19 – The GSV Google Fellowship and building the Opportunity Hub

13:35 – Responsible AI integration: mindset, PD, and classroom use

17:17 – AI tools in action: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Notebook LM

18:42 – Final thoughts: change is hard, but it’s easier together

Connect with Dr Nicolas Wade:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-wade

Website: https://www.cusd49.com/page/administration