Unfiltered Education

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In this special Q&A episode of Public Education Unfiltered, Brian answers listener questions about school choice, enrollment, and the challenges facing public school districts today.

Drawing on his work with more than 100 public school districts across 26 states, Brian shares what he's seeing on the ground, how parents are making enrollment decisions, and what districts can do to build trust and strengthen enrollment.

If you're a superintendent, school board member, principal, or district leader, this episode offers practical insights and actionable ideas you can apply in your own district.

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What does it take to earn the largest funding increase in your district's history? Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel joins Brian to reveal the leadership principles, difficult decisions, and "cheat code" that helped secure an historic $89 million investment in Hartford's schools. From navigating structural budget challenges to building trust with stakeholders, this conversation is packed with lessons every education leader can apply.

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Are Texas Parents Really Satisfied With Their Schools?

In our newly released 2026 Texas Parent Survey, parents share what matters most when choosing a school, why many are considering other options, and how they really feel about school choice.These findings provide an exclusive look at what Texas families are thinking and what their responses could mean for the future of public education in Texas. The webinar recording, presentation slides, and full survey results are now available!

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"That's the way we've always done it."

It sounds harmless, but it may be the biggest barrier to growth. In this episode, Brian explores why our brains resist change, how status quo bias keeps us stuck, and why lasting transformation comes from discipline and habits, not motivation. If you're trying to lead change, challenge old assumptions, or prepare for the future, this conversation is for you.  

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In this episode, Brian explores what the research actually says about private school outcomes, why family background plays such a significant role in student success, and how our assumptions about school quality may not always match the evidence.

Join Brian for a closer look at one of education's most enduring debates and what it means for the future of public schools.

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After examining Texas school vouchers, Brian turns his attention to Florida, the state at the center of the school choice movement.

In this episode, Brian unpacks Florida's expanding voucher programs, examines what families are choosing, and explores the broader implications for public education.

What happens in Florida won't stay in Florida. Tune in to learn what other states can expect as school choice continues to expand nationwide.

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Many Americans believe private schools are inherently better than public schools, but is that belief actually supported by evidence? In this episode, Brian explores how perception, status, and cognitive bias often shape opinions about education more than the data itself. The conversation examines why private schools are often viewed as superior, even when outcomes are shaped more by outside factors than the schools themselves.

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Are Florida Parents Really Satisfied With Their Schools? 

The answer may surprise you. In our newly released 2026 Florida Parent Survey, parents reveal what matters most when choosing a school, why so many are actively exploring alternatives, and how they really feel about school choice, vouchers, safety, and accountability. Presented by Caissa K-12 CEO Brian J. Stephens, these findings offer a rare look into the mindset of today's families and how Florida compares to parent sentiment nationwide. The webinar recording, presentation slides, and full survey results are now available.

 And stay tuned... Texas is next.

Many Americans believe private schools are inherently better than public schools, but is that belief actually supported by evidence? In this episode, Brian explores how perception, status, and cognitive bias often shape opinions about education more than the data itself. From exclusivity and tuition costs to branding and social reputation, the conversation examines why private schools are often viewed as superior, even when outcomes are shaped more by outside factors than the schools themselves.

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AI can make communication faster, more frequent, and more efficient, but trust is still built between people.

Schools that rely too heavily on AI risk sounding robotic, impersonal, and disconnected. The organizations that will stand out are the ones using AI to strengthen human connection, not replace it.

At the end of the day, AI cannot replace the emotional intelligence, authenticity, and human connection people look for in the leaders and organizations they trust.