This week on Um, Sir, Emily and Samie are joined by veteran educator Steve Cross for a wide-ranging conversation that connects everyday chaos to the very real stakes of public education. From teaching middle school and surviving ninth graders to Caribbean travel detours and student protests, they manage to discuss it all. 

Listen as they attempt to break down school levies and bonds, share how property taxes actually fund schools, and discuss why low-turnout elections have lasting consequences for students, teachers, and communities. It’s a reminder that school funding isn’t abstract—it’s counselors, class sizes, safe buildings, and support kids rely on every day. 

Civics, but make it human.

CHECK OUT

Vote.Wa.Gov
Snohomish Podcast Network
Everett Public Schools Bond and Levy Information
Snohomish School District Levy Information
Property Tax Basics - Municipal Research & Service Center (MRSC)
Everett High School students walked out of classes today in protest ICE activity in Snohomish County and around the country - Instagram, Iganniphoto
Happening now at the Snohomish County Campus Plaza. Everett High School students have gathered to protest ICE, today, Tuesday, Jan. 13. - Facebook, Everett Post

LISTEN

Um, Sir Podcast: RFK Impersonations, Property Tax Bills, and Smut
Um, Sir Podcast: The System Is Designed to Kill Your Bil

Morbid Podcast - Spotify

Every Outfit Podcast

WATCH

Bonds & Levies: What’s the Difference - NWESD YouTube 

Hilary Knight on Chasing Olympic Gold, Team USA Pressure, and the Future of Women’s Hockey - FanSided NHL, YouTube

Aneta Tejralova —> Sarah Fillier #HFHits - HockeyFights, Instagram

Professor Shocks High School by Speaking Gen Z Slang - Facebook

READ

Everett High students walk out to protest ICE activity - Everett Herald
Local high school students rally in support against ICE activities - The Clipper
Schools eye fixes to leaky roofs, aging boilers, old tech - Everett Herald (April 17, 2022)
The Pathfinder: The Ballot Information Problem - Cascade PBS 

In Our View: Local media’s decline factors into election - The Columbian

Equal is Not Good Enough: An Analysis of School Funding Across the U.S. and Within Each State - The Education Trust

Breaking down WA's school funding formula - Cascade PBS

Explainers on property taxes and special taxing districts (fire, school, library, ports)

2023 is the new worst: Washington again sets a record for low turnout in a general election - The Cascadia Advocate
Seattle Torrent player suspended for 'forceful, predatory' check to opponent's head - KOMO News

SUPPORT

(PBS) Public Broadcasting Systems

Support KUOW & NPR

BUY. IF YOU MUST

Rum from Antigua (coconut, vanilla, cardamom optional) - Total Wine and More

Torrent Hockey Tickets

LEARN MORE

Levy Data, Rolls, and Election Results Data - Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Granite Falls School District Levy Information
Snohomish County Sample Ballots and Voters Guide
Northwest Educational Service District (ESD 189)