In this relaunch of The Accounts Podcast, I take you inside North Chicago D187’s shift from state oversight to an elected board. I share why I think leadership should build on the district’s recent progress and unpack the difference between policy (rules and consequences) and procedure (the check-in steps we follow every day). I walk through the Carlos Smith situation from my perspective—why his presence matters for culture and pride, and how board conduct kept a reinstatement from happening that night. I make a broader call for media literacy, primary sources over rumors, and active participation. I close with Proverbs 22:6 because I believe education starts at home and thrives when our whole community shows up.