How much did Kaepernick’s MCPS appearance cost? [We still don't know.]

...Kaepernick discussed his new company, Lumi, according to social media posts. Lumi is a platform to empower creators “by providing them with the tools needed to independently create, publish and merchandise their stories both digitally and physically” through the use of AI tools, according to the Lumi website.  

MCPS spokesperson Chris Cram told Bethesda Today via email on Aug. 15 that Kaepernick and Ganguly were not paid for the appearances.  

“Mr. Kaepernick and Ms. Ganguly both generously donated their time to present to MCPS leadership,” Cram said in the statement. “Per our usual procedure, we cover travel costs (hotel room, point-to-point travel, meals) for professional development guests.  We also have the same procedure for finalists in leadership positions who travel from out of town.” 

Representatives for Kaepernick and Ganguly didn’t respond to requests from Bethesda Today regarding the visit and the cost of any travel expenses... 

 https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/08/25/colin-kaepernick-mcps-appearance-cost/

Hillside, NJ Public School system 'partners' with Lumi

Another school district, Hillside Public Schools, in New Jersey, also has a contract with CEO Kaepernick's company Lumi.

From the Hillsdale Public Schools website:

Hillside Public Schools District Partners with Colin Kaepernick's Lumi Platform!

Hillside Public Schools

February 13, 2025

Author, Activist, Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Lumi, Colin Kaepernick launches partnership with Hillside Public Schools District to work with students at W.O.K. Middle School and Hillside Innovation Academy! Students will engage with the Lumi Platform as creators! "Lumi’s mission is to democratize storytelling by providing tools for creators to turn their ideas into finished products, as well as distributing and merchandising those stories – transforming any creator into Disney. By leveraging advanced AI tools, Lumi enhances the creative process, allowing creators to focus on bringing their stories to life, while the platform handles all of the logistics."

@kaepernick7 Colin Kaepernick @lumistoryai Lumi Story @scholastic Scholastic

#hillsidepublicschools #hillsidenj #lumistory #lumistoryai #StudentsFirst #newpride #newpathways #newpossibilities

Armstrong would not specify how much the district is spending on its contract with Lumi Story AI...

Portland Public Schools plans to wade further into the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom during the upcoming school year by piloting an AI literacy platform backed by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong told The Oregonian/OregonLive this week...

...Armstrong would not specify how much the district is spending on its contract with Lumi Story AI, though it does not appear to be above the $150,000 threshold that would require approval from the school board...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ai-platform-from-former-nfl-qb-colin-kaepernick-finds-playing-field-in-portland-schools/ar-AA1K1dB4

In surprise appearance, Colin Kaepernick teases partnership with Prince George’s County

...Kaepernick launched an AI start-up called Lumi last year, which aims to help storytellers publish and merchandise their work independently, “transforming any creator into Disney,” according to its website.

He has been busy recently coordinating with local school systems. Earlier Thursday, Kaepernick appeared in Rockville at a Montgomery County Public Schools summer meeting for administrators. Just a week ago, he unveiled a literacy partnership with the Portland public school system...

https://marylandmatters.org/2025/08/15/in-surprise-appearance-colin-kaepernick-teases-partnership-with-prince-georges-county/