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The Purple Zone

The Purple Zone

By: Alexis Morgan
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Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).

Bridging the Gap between Public Policy, Practice & People.


The Purple Zone explores what it really means to align how we govern, how we educate, and how we show up for our communities.


Hosted by Alexis — a PhD student in public policy and administration, and longtime educator and advocate for kids, communities, and the systems that shape our lives. This podcast connects the dots between policy and practice, without the politics or platitudes.


It’s about naming what often goes unsaid — and making space for a more honest, human approach to systems that impact all of us.


How systems shape our communities, from policy on paper to action in practice. + Thinking Out Loud as a PhD Student

© 2025 The Purple Zone
Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • School Boards 101: The Role, The Questions, The Elections
    Oct 7 2025

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    Can you answer the following questions?

    1. What is the number one responsibility of every school board?
    2. What are the Five Big Governance Questions EVERY school board member should be able to answer?

    It’s election season for school board candidates…listen to learn what their real responsibilities are, what to look for as a voter, and why these local races matter so much.

    Listen to this episode to learn the most important job of a school board member, hear the Five Governance Questions, understand what school boards actually do, why their role matters, and how you as a voter can evaluate candidates. Plus, things to think about in the upcoming school board elections.

    👉 A MUST-listen for EVERY voter.

    Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

    JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page


    Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
    email@thealexismorgan.com

    Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy:
    https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Conflict Isn’t the Enemy: But Do You Know What Is?
    Sep 30 2025

    Send us a text

    Conflict doesn’t have to divide us; it can be the wrestle that leads to deeper understanding and stronger communities. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis reflects on her experiences moderating at voucher town halls across Idaho, where dignity has proven essential for meaningful dialogue. (This isn't a convo about vouchers, it's the takeaway from interacting with communities all over Idaho).

    Drawing from the Dignity Index, personal stories, and even her daughter’s raw reflections after the recent tragedy in Michigan, Alexis explores why conflict is not the problem...contempt is. She shares how offering dignity, even in disagreement, opens the door for learning and connection, whether in public policy debates like HB 93 or in everyday conversations, in person or on social media.

    The Purple Zone isn’t about compromise. It’s about coming to the table with honesty, good intentions, and the courage to work through conflict together.

    Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

    JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page


    Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
    email@thealexismorgan.com

    Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy:
    https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • AI in Education: Golden Ticket or Pandora’s Box?
    Sep 16 2025

    Send us a text

    Is AI the golden ticket for education—or a fast track to unintended consequences? In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis Morgan sits down with Dr. Jeff Carlson, Head of National Education Partnership for Clever, who spends his days at the center of national and state conversations on AI and edtech. Together, they unpack the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in classrooms: from personalized learning and teacher support to hard questions about what kids must still learn on their own to develop critical thinking.

    Drawing on research, student voices, and Idaho’s own evolving approach, Alexis and Jeff wrestle with the big questions facing parents, educators, neighbors, and lawmakers alike:

    • What must change in how we educate students in the age of AI?
    • What must never change?
    • And how do we protect both opportunity and accountability when the tools are moving faster than policy?

    If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is education’s golden ticket—or just another distraction—you won’t want to miss this deep, timely conversation.

    Links to Articles:

    What Do Kids Actually Think About AI?

    What's Really Going on in AI in Schools? A High School Student's POV. (Forbes)

    Parents, Your Job Has Changed in the A.I. Era

    Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/

    JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page


    Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.
    email@thealexismorgan.com

    Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy:
    https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 52 mins
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