Public School Podcast

Public School Podcast

By Amy RoseSociety & CultureEducationKids & FamilyEducation for Kids
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Public School Podcast episodes

  • From Classroom to Boardroom

    We sit down with Shannon Bren, a passionate math teacher who has dedicated nearly 40 years to the classroom. Since her very first day of teaching in 1984, Shannon has learned that education is so much more than just lesson plans and curriculum it’s about connection, empathy, and adapting to the unique needs of every student.

    Join us as Shannon shares stories from her incredible teaching journey how she has grown alongside her students, embraced the challenges of changing educational landscapes, and discovered the profound impact a caring teacher can have on young lives. From moments of frustration to breakthroughs of understanding, Shannon’s reflections reveal the resilience, patience, and love that fuel her commitment to education.

    We explore how Shannon fosters respect and trust in her classroom, her philosophy on learning from mistakes, and why she believes teaching is one of the most important and rewarding professions out there. Whether you’re a current educator, a student, or simply someone who values the role of teachers in our communities, this conversation offers rich insights and genuine inspiration.

    Tune in for a meaningful discussion that honors the tireless work of teachers everywhere and celebrates the lasting legacy Shannon has built through thousands of students across generations.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  • The Roots of the Foundation

    Host Sara Hornick and Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with a true pioneer of public education advocacy, Sharon Lee, the founder and former executive director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation. Recorded in Studio 3B at the HomeSlice Media Group, this conversation goes back over 30 years to the very beginnings of the foundation and explores how one idea sparked a lasting movement in education.

    Sharon shares the origin story of the foundation how a conversation with local attorneys turned into a mission to support educators through community-driven funding. With warmth, humility, and passion, she reflects on the challenges of gaining community trust, the joy of awarding classroom grants, and the pride she feels in seeing programs like Teacher of the Year and the Evening of Excellence continue to thrive.

    This episode is a heartfelt reminder that true change in education doesn’t just come from policies or politics, it comes from people who care deeply and act boldly. Sharon’s story is proof that one person’s vision can ignite a legacy that benefits generations of students and teachers.

    Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just someone who believes in the power of public schools, this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, act locally, and never underestimate the power of a community with a shared purpose.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  • More Than Maintenance: The Heart of School Operations
    In this episode, host Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, is joined by Bobbi Schaefbauer, Community Relations Manager for Rapid City Area Schools, and their first official guest, Jade Clement, Construction Planning Manager for the district. Jade gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role facilities play in the success and safety of our schools. From the massive South Middle School project to the emotional closure and demolition of Canyon Lake Elementary, Jade shares how long-term planning and capital improvements shape the future for students and staff. They also discuss upcoming renovations at Central and Stevens High Schools, the importance of the new district-wide master plan, and how the foundation helps fill in the gaps. Plus, Jade reveals his favorite teacher (who accepted black olives as bribes) and a recess memory that includes 50-kid soccer games. Tune in for a candid, insightful, and at times nostalgic conversation about the spaces where learning happens.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  • From Vision to Action: How the Foundation Fuels Success
    Sarah Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are back in Studio 3A with another fun and heartfelt conversation about all things public education. In this episode, they talk about their vision for the podcast, celebrate the people who make our schools special, and highlight the powerful “why” behind lifelong careers in education. Sarah shares stories from a student fishing trip and opens up about her own experience growing up in multiple school systems. You’ll also hear about favorite teachers, childhood recess games (remember pogs?), and why Sarah would love to be a school librarian. It’s a joyful, nostalgic, and genuine look at the heart of our schools. Follow the journey, and don’t forget to check out the Public School Podcast on Facebook for highlights, updates, and maybe even a blooper reel or two.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • The Voice Between School and Community

    In the very first episode of the Public School Podcast, host Sarah Hornick, Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation, sits down with Bobbi Schaefbauer, Community Relations Manager for the school district, to pull back the curtain on how the Foundation and district work hand-in-hand to uplift students, teachers, and staff across the city. From funding classroom innovations like smart boards to ensuring every child is fed and ready to learn, this episode reveals the heart behind the headlines—and the power of partnership. Hear how a simple $50 grant turned into a life-changing moment, why celebrating support staff matters more than ever, and how education is evolving to meet students where they are. It’s a conversation full of hope, collaboration, and a shared belief in the impact of public education done right.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • Trailer

    Welcome to The Public School Podcast—where real stories, real people, and real passion for

    education come together. Hosted by Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Public School

    Foundation, and Bobbi Schaefbauer, Community Relations Manager for Rapid City Area

    Schools, we’re diving into the heart of public education.

    Each episode, we sit down with community members, dedicated school staff, and passionate

    advocates to ask one simple but powerful question:

    Why do public schools matter?

    From classroom wins to community-wide challenges, The Public School Podcast is your

    front-row seat to the conversations that shape our students’ futures—and our shared tomorrow.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min

About Public School Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Public School Podcast, where real stories, real people, and real passion for

education come together. Hosted by Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Public…

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