Welcome back to the Schoolhouse Series with American Motherhood. In this episode, Yana is joined by former Ohio legislator and longtime education policy expert, Stephen Dyer, to break down what “fair school funding” really means.

Stephen cuts through the noise to explain the difference between equity and equality, why students cost different amounts to educate, and how Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan was designed to address those realities. We also tackle EdChoice, what it is, how it’s funded, and why it’s become such a point of tension for public school districts across the state.

Beyond policy, this conversation gets into power and accountability. Who actually makes school funding decisions, how do these choices affect local classrooms, and why voters should be paying attention, even in high-performing districts.

Stephen brings urgency and conviction, reminding us that public education depends on informed, engaged communities. His message is clear: hold our elected leaders accountable, organize, and speak up.

Because school funding isn’t just policy, it’s a reflection of what we value and what we’re willing to fight for.

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In this episode of The Schoolhouse Series, we sit down with Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano to better understand one of the most debated issues in our community: property taxes.

We break down how property values are determined, what a property tax bill actually represents, and how those dollars are distributed. We also explain why rising home values do not automatically translate into increased funding for schools - and why districts must still return to voters for levies.

Most parents are regularly asked to vote on school funding, yet few are given a clear understanding of how the system works. American Motherhood exists to make these complex issues more accessible and easier to navigate.

Episode resources:

Stay apprised of the 2026 Triennial Property Value Update: FranklinCountyAuditor.com/KYHV

Learn how an upcoming or recently passed levy will impact your property taxes with the Value of Your Vote website: franklincountyauditor.com/LevyEstimator

In this episode of American Motherhood, we’re joined by Dr. Christina Collins, Founder and Executive Director of Honesty for Ohio Education, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing clarity and transparency to how Ohio schools are funded.

Dr. Collins offers thoughtful, grounded insight into how Ohio’s school funding system impacts real classrooms and communities, while addressing how culture wars create common misconceptions that often shape public perception. With a career dedicated to education, and as a former member of the Ohio State Board of Education, she walks us through the core questions many parents have about school funding. What do your property taxes actually fund inside a school? Why do Ohio districts rely so heavily on local taxes? What happens when the school levy fails?

This episode is designed to give parents a clearer understanding of the system behind our education system so that we can confidently get engaged in the decisions that shape it.

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Learn more about Honesty for Ohio Education.

Welcome to the American Motherhood Schoolhouse Series, where we break down Ohio's public school funding into clear, real-life conversations for busy moms.

In this first episode, we start with the question behind nearly every school debate: Who actually pays for public schools? We explore where school funding comes from (hint: mostly local), why your property taxes are tied to schools, why neighboring districts can look so different, and why funding issues keep showing up on your ballot.

We care deeply about this topic because education shapes our kids’ everyday lives, but the system behind it is rarely explained. With each episode in this series, we’ll add another layer to the complexities of school funding in Ohio so you can feel confident asking questions, engaging in your community, and advocating for what’s right for your kids.

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The decisions shaping your family’s future aren’t just happening in DC - they’re happening right here in Ohio. In this episode of American Motherhood, I’m joined by Allison Russo, Ohio House Representative and candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, to talk about what’s really at stake for families in the 2026 election.

Allison shares her perspective as both a policymaker and a mom. We discuss the realities of participating in government as a mother, the barriers that exist, and what could make these spaces more accessible for working parents. She also offers practical encouragement for moms who want to get involved - whether you’re just starting to pay attention or considering running for office. We also look ahead to the role of Secretary of State and how Allison looks to rebuild trust in our electoral process.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay informed and get involved as a busy mom, join us in person for our panel event Bridging the Gap: Motherhood and Civic Life on April 18th at 10am at Westerville North High School.

Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.

Episode Resources:

The Ohio Channel 

Statehouse News Bureau

Ohio Capital Journal

Ohio House of Representatives

Ohio Senate

Kelley Stocker returns to American Motherhood, now serving as Westerville’s Vice Mayor and bringing her perspective as a high school government teacher.

In this episode, Kelley offers a practical refresher on how Ohio’s government works, what’s on the ballot this year, and how the primary process functions. We break down the differences between state and federal roles, why primaries matter, and what voters need to know heading into Election Day.

If you’re looking to feel informed and confident at the ballot box, this episode provides a straightforward guide to preparing for Ohio’s May 5th primary.

Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.

Episode Resources:

OH Voter Registration Verification 

Ohio Sample Ballot Directory 

OH Find my District 

Welcome to the next season of American Motherhood.

In this episode, Founder & Host Bethany Kungle and Managing Director Hayley Smith share the vision behind the podcast and what’s ahead in 2026. What began as a shift toward local engagement after the 2024 election has grown into a mission to make politics more accessible and relevant for busy moms.

This year, you’ll hear from candidates, policy experts, community leaders, and moms across Ohio, with clear, practical conversations designed to help you feel informed and confident at the ballot box.

More than a podcast, American Motherhood is building a community - inviting moms of all backgrounds to learn, engage, and help shape the future together.

Join us on Saturday, April 18th for Bridging the Gap: Motherhood & Civic Life at Westerville North High School from 10-11:30am.

Instagram: @americanmotherhood_podcast

Email: [email protected]

Find more at www.AmericanMotherhood.com

Welcome back to American Motherhood, where we explore how society and politics shape motherhood in America. In this special episode, we wrap up the Westerville local election series with two familiar voices: Kelley Stocker, candidate for Westerville City Council, and Tatjana Brown, candidate for Westerville City School Board of Education. We step back to consider what it means to serve the city, and how we as voters can recognize the leadership qualities that matter most in our community.

Thank you to all the candidates who helped make this election more accessible and transparent, and to everyone who’s followed the series for choosing to be informed voters. Together, we’re building a future rooted in equality, understanding, and hope - for our kids and for each other.

Reach me anytime at [email protected].

Our final candidate for Westerville School Board of Education, Nafisa Jamale, was hopeful to participate but we unfortunately weren’t able to connect for an interview. I encourage you to learn more about her at njamale.com or by watching the 2025 Westerville Board of Education Candidate Forum.

In this episode of American Motherhood, we continue our Westerville local election series with our ninth candidate for City Council, John Gatiss. John describes himself as an activist, advocate, and community leader. We discuss how he hopes to balance growth with sustainability and the creative solutions he proposes to address rising costs. He also shares his perspective on transparency in local government, climate action, and community safety.

This local election series is designed to make city government more accessible to you, the voters. If you find this conversation helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to American Motherhood on your favorite podcast app. You can always reach me at [email protected] if you’d like to join the conversation.

Find John online at GatissforWesterville.com, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky or email him directly at [email protected].

Today we continue our local election series with Westerville City Council candidate, Matt Erney. 

Matt is a husband, father of four, and longtime Westerville resident who built a career through owning two small local businesses. On the campaign trail, he’s emphasized keeping national politics out of local decisions, while focusing on families, safety, and fiscal responsibility.

In this episode, we talk about how Matt’s background shapes his vision for Westerville, what he’s learned from first responders, and how he sees City Council’s role in preserving both affordability and community values. We also dig into topics like utilities, the proposed earned income tax for Westerville City Schools, and what protecting religious freedom means in a diverse and growing city.

Find Matt on MattErney.com, Facebook, or email him directly at [email protected].

As mentioned in the episode: WOSU: Westerville to vote on conversation therapy ban for minors.