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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn who benefits and who gets left behind in the education budget recently passed by the Texas Legislature. From promised teacher raises for only 50% of staff to missed opportunities for traditional public schools, the universal voucher program in Texas raises questions about its impact and the future. With an increasing number of traditional public school districts in Texas facing budget deficits since last year, the funding cuts are causing cascading negative effects for the future.

School choice is gaining momentum across the country, with initiatives like vouchers, education savings accounts, and charter school expansions moving quickly through state and federal legislatures. Supporters say these programs empower parents and promote healthy competition, but the real impact on public schools is more complicated. In this episode, we unpack what’s happening on the ground and what it means for the future of public education.