Bellingham programmer uses AI to sort, analyze thousands of public documents

Morgan Foster, a Bellingham resident and former tech professional, has launched BoardLink, an AI-driven platform aimed at simplifying access to school board meeting data in Washington. After struggling to glean information from a school board vote, she recognized the need for a more efficient system to process diverse public documents. Utilizing her extensive experience with major tech companies, Foster developed a tool that organizes various formats of meeting files and minutes into a coherent and analyzable format. BoardLink allows users to ask specific questions about school board activities, supporting efforts like preserving music programs by providing insights into effective strategies used by other districts. With a comprehensive collection of 15 years’ worth of data from nearly all Washington school boards, the platform promotes transparency and public engagement in local education.

Foster has partnered with organizations like the Educational Justice Academy to expand the tool's reach and functionality. Her initiative aims to ease the fragmentation of information, especially in light of changes anticipated from the U. S. Department of Education. Foster's visionary approach highlights the potential of AI in enhancing civic engagement and informed participation in governance.