Unfiltered Education

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The future of public education depends on our willingness to face reality: traditional public schools are in a competition, whether they want to be or not. In this episode, explore why districts must choose to compete, and how their communities must rise to the challenge and support them. The decline of access to free, high-quality public education threatens the very foundation of our society, which is why supporting and advocating for traditional public schools must become a top priority for communities across the nation. 

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School choice legislation aims to create competition, but how can it be fair when public schools play by different rules? Scott Howat, the Chief Communications Officer of Orange County Public Schools, joins to discuss the financial impact of universal vouchers, the importance of accountability with taxpayer dollars, and why school choice isn’t the level playing field it appears to be. 

Discover the key actions public school district leaders should take today to remain competitive, from highlighting their schools’ community value to embracing a more student-centered approach to education. 

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AI’s relevancy has increased drastically in recent years, but is it education’s cornerstone or its crutch? This episode explores the benefits and consequences of AI in the classroom, as well as the long term repercussions on students of a growing digital divide. Listen in to gain insights related to mitigating these challenges. 

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Public education supporters across the nation have watched one community’s battle against unfair state legislation, a battle led by Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. In this episode, featuring guest host Paige Walkup, Dr. Johnson shares how she fought a bill that aimed to dismantle the state’s public school districts.

Learn about the ins and outs of the fight against Bill 1136, from its four core areas of impact to the inspiring story of how district leaders and community members joined forces, using their voices to protect students.

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Across the country, public school districts are taking tech giants like Meta and TikTok to court, blaming them for a mental health crisis unfolding in America's classrooms. This episode dives into the details behind local school district’s lawsuits against today’s largest social media platforms, citing their addictive properties as the cause of declining mental health amongst students; a cost that school districts are forced to bear. Unpack several studies linking social media to the increased financial, academic, and emotional burdens that are impacting our most passionate educators. 

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As more public schools face budget shortfalls, many districts are considering outsourcing school services to cut costs, but is it the right move? This episode clarifies the conversation around outsourcing in public school districts, covering common reasons for outsourcing, when it can be effective, and when it may be risky. Through real-world examples and practical insights, you’ll understand the key factors of these decisions, and learn important strategies for balancing financial growth with student success.

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The Department of Education's decision to eliminate DEI initiatives will have lasting effects on public school districts. This episode dives into the legal landscape surrounding public education and DEI by breaking down what is currently permitted, which practices face increasing restrictions, and the potential consequences for districts that do not comply. Understand the facts around DEI policies and what these changes mean for public education.

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This episode examines how immigration enforcement and recent ICE raids are impacting public school attendance and dismantling safe spaces for students. It explores the decline in attendance among undocumented students, widespread walkouts, and the real-world consequences of these policy changes. 

Listen to learn what some schools are doing to protect their students' education, from legal precautions to proactive policies, and what your district can do to be prepared.

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This episode features a candid conversation with Memphis-Shelby County Schools board member Tamarques Porter, who shares his perspective on the district’s success and potential challenges. The discussion covers the heated debate around school closures and building innovation, the dismissal of the former superintendent, and the potential for a state takeover. Porter also addresses the widespread misinformation surrounding these issues and outlines his vision for the future of the district.

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This episode dives into the legal and legislative battle over religious displays in U.S. public school classrooms. We unpack why the Ten Commandments were originally banned, explore the efforts to reverse that decision in prominent Supreme Court cases like Stone v. Graham, and examine what’s at stake for public school districts nationwide. You’ll also hear compelling arguments from both supporters and opponents of these laws, offering a balanced look at one of the most debated church-and-state issues today.