In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with retiring Coach David DeVaughn, Alaska’s winningest high school football coach, and longtime Activities Coordinator Wayne Sawchuk to reflect on careers dedicated to students, leadership, and community.

Together, they discuss the moments, relationships, and lessons that defined decades of service and helped shape the lives of countless students both on and off the field.

Listeners will hear stories and reflections on the lasting impact of school activities and the important role they play in helping students build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and meaningful connections.

The conversation also looks ahead to the future of student activities across the district and explores why involvement in athletics, clubs, and school programs continues to be such an important part of the student experience. Join us for an inspiring discussion on legacy, mentorship, and the lessons that extend far beyond the game.

In this episode, we sit down with the leadership team from North Pole Middle School to discuss the importance of student experience, positive school culture, and the relationships that help students succeed.

Thank you to our guests for joining the conversation:

• Joseph Self, Principal
• Jacob Glenn, Assistant Principal
• Chip Abolafia, Assistant Principal

The conversation explores how schools create environments where students feel safe, connected, supported, and motivated to learn each day.

Listeners will hear about the intentional work behind building strong relationships between students, staff, and families, along with examples of student success both inside and outside the classroom at the district’s largest middle school.

The episode also highlights the role of staff collaboration, consistency, and leadership in creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Colonel John Campbell, U.S. Army Garrison Alaska, Fort Wainwright; Colonel Timothy Foster, 354th Mission Support Group Commander, Eielson Air Force Base; and Janet Farris, Fort Wainwright School Liaison Officer, to highlight the experiences and needs of military-connected students and families in our schools.

The conversation begins by exploring the unique transitions military students face when moving between communities, and how schools can help them feel welcomed, supported, and connected.

The discussion also highlights the strong partnership between the district and local military leadership, including the role of the colonels as military advisors to the school board, in strengthening programs, resources, and communication that support student success.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, guests reflect on the strengths military-connected students bring to schools and the importance of honoring their experiences. With more than 25% of students in the district identified as military-connected, the conversation underscores the significant role military families play in our school community and the shared responsibility to support them well.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Lisa Laqua, Project SEARCH Instructor, and Jessie Beyer, Talent Development Specialist at Foundation Health Partners, to discuss how this unique program is helping students with disabilities transition from school to the workplace. Together, they share how the program operates, combining real-world job experience with training in employability and independent living skills.

Listeners will hear firsthand about the impact of hands-on learning in a professional setting, the support systems that help students succeed, and the role the local hospital plays in mentoring and developing interns. Project SEARCH has a 100% success rate in helping participants find employment after completing the program!

This episode offers a look at how strong partnerships and purposeful training create real opportunities for students, building confidence, developing skills, and supporting successful transitions into adult life.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Board President Bobby Burgess and Board Clerk/Board Budget Committee Chair Morgan Dulian to walk through the district’s FY27 Recommended Budget and what it means for students, staff, and families.

The conversation highlights key updates, including a shift toward reinvestment after several years of reductions, and how those decisions are being made with both immediate needs and long-term stability in mind.

They discuss how resources are being directed into classrooms, supporting priorities such as class size, student programs, and supply budgets, while also addressing ongoing challenges, including rising costs and state funding uncertainty.

The episode offers a look behind budget decisions and what the community can expect moving forward.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Luke Balash, Lathrop High Head Football Coach and Health/PE Teacher, along with juniors Gabriel Guffey and Joseph Lavatai, to talk about how their team makes an impact both on and off the field. They share how a recent community service project came together, why serving others is part of the program’s identity, and what the experience meant to them personally.

The conversation reflects on teamwork, accountability, and the pride that comes with representing their school and community.

Listeners will also get an inside look at the student-athlete journey, from balancing academics and athletics to the discipline and off-season work that builds strong leaders. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the group discusses team goals and the life skills gained through the program. It’s a genuine look at how high school athletics shape character, connection, and purpose.

In this special episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Heather Johnson, Alaska Principal of the Year and Principal of Tanana Middle School and Pete Daley, Alaska Teacher of the Year and Welding Instructor at Hutchison High School, to celebrate excellence in education and the impact strong leadership has on student success.

The conversation reflects on the journeys that led to this recognition, the mentors and moments that helped shape their careers, and the commitment to high standards that guides their work each day.

Listeners will hear how both guests create positive, high-expectation learning environments, support students and staff through challenges, and lead with purpose and responsibility. The episode also offers insight and encouragement for current and aspiring educators, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and heart behind great schools and classrooms.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert is joined by Representative Maxine Dibert and the district’s Nutrition Services Director, Amy Rouse, for a closer look at why school meals are essential to student success.

The conversation highlights the work that goes into providing healthy, reliable meals each day, the staff and resources required to support the program, and the important role nutrition plays in student learning and well-being.

The episode also explores HB 12, proposed legislation that would provide free breakfast and lunch for students who need it, and discusses why sustainable funding for school meals is critical for families and schools across Alaska.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert joins Board President Bobby Burgess and Board Clerk and Chair of Legislative Committee Morgan Dulian to outline the district’s legislative priorities and the investments needed to support student success.The conversation focuses on strengthening student achievement through targeted funding for early literacy and special education, recruiting and retaining educators, and supporting essential programs like transportation, school meals security through HB 12, and maintaining safe, functional school facilities.The episode also addresses key policy improvements and long-term funding solutions, including employee health benefits, retirement systems, Impact Aid, and the need for a permanent increase to the Base Student Allocation with inflation adjustments.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Meinert sits down with Jenna Dreydoppel, Choir and Theater Tech teacher at North Pole High School, and Gwendolyn Brazier, Drama Advisor and Choir Director at West Valley and Lathrop High Schools, to explore how music and theater programs collaborate to create meaningful arts experiences for students.

The conversation highlights the value of arts education, the creative and collaborative skills that students develop, and the ways in which theater and music departments work together to bring productions to life.

Listeners will also hear about what happens behind the scenes of school productions, how students take on leadership roles both onstage and backstage, and upcoming performances.

Learn more about upcoming performances at:

Lathrop High Music Department: https://www.facebook.com/LHSmusicdepartment

North Pole Music Department: https://www.facebook.com/nphsmusic

West Valley High Music Department: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087159667738