In this episode of #FiresideChatFridays, we hear student and parent perspectives on the hallenges facing Syracuse City School District families, students, and staff.

Schools are open all over the country for the 2021-2022 school year. In Syracuse things are complicated.

We speak with Talina Jones an advocate for families who have children with disabilities. She is the Chair of the NYS Early Intervention Coordinating Council, a trainer for the Early Intervention Partners Training Project, and serves on the board of CNY NYCLU. Her master's research centered on a black womanist understanding of disability and how that lens might impact the creation of future advocacy programs created for families of color.

Caring for the mental health of students is an important part of helping students learn. This episode of #FiresideChatFridays addresses the need for trauma-sensitive schools for the benefit of students and teachers.

The New York state legislature has made a stunning budget deal to fully fund public education in New York state. Listen in to the conversation with Michael Rebell, a lawyer and long-time education funding advocate, about what that means for the New Yorkers for Students' Educational Rights (NYSER) education funding lawsuit now moving through the courts and what families and their students can expect next.

Retired Syracuse City School District administrator and candidate for school board commissioner, David Maynard talks about public education in Syracuse with host Samantha Pierce.

What are the differences between Syracuse city schools and the surrounding suburban schools? In this episode of #FiresideChatFridays, we talk with guest Reine Fitzgerald about the differences she's observed as a parent and while working with children in foster care in different school districts.

In this episode of #FiresideChatFridays, I talk with Liza Citron, disabled autistic advocate and special education major, about what makes a healthy learning environment for students.

In this episode of #FiresideChatFridays we talk with parent advocate Stephanie Jackson about school funding and parent advocacy in the Syracuse City School District. Where does all the money for public education go and who gets to decide where it goes? Tell us what you think.

What is life like for disabled students in the Syracuse City School District? In this episode of #FiresideChatFridays Liza Citron speaks with host Samantha Pierce about her experiences in the Syracuse City School District as a public school student and a homeschooled student.