The Policy Matters: At the Intersection of Education & Business

In this episode of The Policy Matters, Superintendent Michael Hinojosa sits down with Strategos Group Partner, Todd Lamb, to discuss school reopenings amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Superintendent Hinojosa illustrates the realities of the 2020-21 school year for students of the Dallas Independent School District and the many factors that schools had to consider in their reopening plans. Throughout the conversation, Superintendent Hinojosa also elaborates on Operation Connectivity- Dallas ISD's mission to provide students with access to personal technology devices along with high-speed internet service to promote effective remote learning. To learn more about Dallas ISD's reopening plans and Operation Connectivity, visit www.dallasisd.org.

In this episode, Strategos Partner Todd Lamb talks with Derrell Bradford, the Executive Vice President of 50CAN. Derrell explains his journey from growing up in southwest Baltimore to graduating college; and how that journey shaped his view on school choice. He also shares his thoughts on COVID-19 and how it has changed the way parents and students view education. Derrell Bradford is a thought leader in this domain and frequently contributes to education debates in print, digital, radio, and TV media.

In Part 2 of this podcast, Dr. Dallas Dance continues the conversation with Todd Lamb about the lessons he learned from both success and failure. Also, Dr. Dance provides his thoughts on COVID-19, schools re-opening, and how superintendents can navigate the political maelstrom accompanying this pandemic. You can find his book on Amazon - Imploded You-niverse: Thoughts on Fear, Failure & the Pitfalls of Perfection. 

In Part 1 of this podcast, Dr. Dallas Dance speaks with Todd Lamb about his meteoric rise becoming one of the youngest superintendents in the United States and the factors that led to a dramatic fall. In this podcast, we talk about the lessons he learned from both success and failure. Superintendents and education leaders can all learn from his story. You can find his book on Amazon - Imploded You-niverse: Thoughts on Fear, Failure & the Pitfalls of Perfection. 

Strategos Partner Todd Lamb talks with John Bailey, an education policy thought leader and fellow at Walton Family Foundation & American Enterprise Institute. John is frequently sought after by Washington Post and NYT for his thoughts on how to reopen America's school after COVID-19. This is a MUST hear for education leaders and administrators grappling with this issue.  You can learn more about John Bailey at https://www.vestigopartners.com/ and @John_Bailey on Twitter. 

In this episode, Doug Mesecar talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the education system. We discuss the congressional response, how it changes educational policy, and the funding landscape. This is a must-listen for anyone in education - including policymakers, superintendents, and business leaders. 

Doug Mesecar has served in senior operational and policy roles at the U.S. Department of Education, Congress, and top education companies. Before joining Strategos Group in 2019. In Doug’s various roles at the U.S.D.O.E., he advised the Secretary and senior staff on the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act and other federal laws and regulations, with a particular focus on education innovation, charters, technology, teacher training, and accountability.

Kevin Chavous is a lawyer, author, education reform activist, and a former Democratic Party politician in Washington, D.C. Currently, Kevin Chavous is the President of Academics, Policy, and Schools of K12, Inc., a technology-based education company and the nation’s leading provider of proprietary curriculum and online school programs for students in pre-K through high school. In this role, Mr. Chavous overseas all of the services that the company provides to over 120,000 students nationwide.

Founded in 2000, and with nearly 5,000 employees today, K12, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading providers of virtual education. You can learn more about K12, Inc. at www.K12.com.