In this interview, Whitney Asay discusses her journey from a family photography business to becoming a community advocate and entrepreneur. She reflects on her experiences in education, emphasizing the challenges faced by marginalized students and the need for understanding socioeconomic factors in learning. Whitney shares the creation of Funky Junk, a platform supporting local artisans, and how it fosters community engagement. Joining her is former student Ari Burback, who highlights the significance of mentorship and safe spaces for youth expression. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive community events and diverse pathways for youth empowerment and success.

When districts stop listening, families have another option — take their kids, and the dollars that follow them, to schools that do. We sit down with Lisa Williams, principal of the Wyoming Virtual Academy and State Board of Education member, to talk about transparency, accountability, and why families across Wyoming are choosing schools that actually listen.

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of school administrators in removing barriers that hinder effective learning. Inspired by Shane's insights, we discuss how educational leaders can navigate systemic challenges by embodying qualities like humility and clear communication. The conversation emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, encouraging educators to suggest solutions and fostering a culture of innovation. We address the bureaucratic obstacles that often stifle creativity and stress the need for flexibility in leadership. The episode culminates in a reflection on the true nature of educational leadership as a strategic vision focused on supporting teaching and learning.

In this episode, Shane Ogden, Superintendent of Meeteetse, Wyoming, discusses his transformative vision for education focused on problem-based learning and student-led initiatives. He shares insights on the implementation of programs like Genius Hour, fostering a culture of professional development among teachers, and engaging students in their learning experiences. Shane critiques standardized testing, advocating for deeper learning experiences and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration in driving educational reform.

In this episode, we critically analyze a Casper Star Tribune article about our community's school closures, emphasizing the need for accurate media representation. Joined by Seth and Derek, we discuss our petition advocating for educational continuity and community engagement. We highlight the importance of schools as community hubs and the necessity for collaborative decision-making that includes all voices. Our conversation aims to inspire constructive dialogue and accountability, inviting listeners to engage in shaping a positive educational future.

The interview features Deb, the superintendent of Fremont County School District 21 in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Deb begins by outlining her typical day, emphasizing the diverse responsibilities a superintendent holds that often go unrecognized by the public. She notes that her work starts with daily meetings, including those with staff members across various departments, including transportation, facilities, special education, and counseling. Deb highlights the importance of regular communication with department heads and school principals to ensure smooth operations within the district, particularly in addressing logistical challenges such as field trips, sporting events, and routine safety drills like fire drills.
Deb delves into her administrative functions, explaining how crucial it is for superintendents to oversee various aspects of the district, including payroll and financial management. She explains the complexity behind approving leave requests, managing substitute coverage, and ensuring that payroll is processed accurately and on time. Deb emphasizes the significance of timely approval processes, noting that one individual's delay can impact the entire district’s operational rhythm. Moreover, her role entails managing numerous reports required by the state, monitoring the accuracy of data submissions, and understanding the nuances of grant processes. She shares how the evolving expectations and accountability measures in education magnify these responsibilities.
As she talks about the financial aspects of running the school district, Deb points to the critical role of impact aid due to the unique geographical location of Fremont County, where the absence of tax revenues necessitates federal funding. Over half of the district's budget relies on these impact aid dollars, which are influenced by the federal government and tribal approvals. Deb raises concerns about the implications of government decisions, particularly in light of delays in funding that could threaten the district’s operational stability. She emphasizes fiscal responsibility, deliberating on the balance between providing adequate funding for educational resources and ensuring the district's financial sustainability.
The conversation then transitions to the complexities of implementing new policies mandated by the state or the school board. Deb outlines the procedural steps involved in adopting new policies, such as consultations with legal counsel and discussions with fellow superintendents. One pressing example she provides is the contentious debate surrounding the carry and conceal weapons policy, where she stresses the importance of community context and the cultural implications of such a policy on a reservation. This indicates the delicate balance she must strike between state regulations and local tribal governance.
Deb highlights the collaborative culture she seeks to foster within her district, noting that building trust and encouraging open dialogue among staff has made it easier for individuals to express concerns and share ideas. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing every staff member’s contribution, fostering a sense of belonging, and prioritizing student needs. This inclusive approach has improved morale and enhanced communication processes, ensuring that operational challenges are collaboratively addressed rather than unilaterally dictated.
In discussing her journey to obtaining her superintendent certification despite it not being a state requirement, Deb outlines her motivations: not only to enhance her knowledge and skills for effective district management but also to ensure that her potential future successor possesses the skills needed to lead the district thoughtfully. She found the coursework invaluable and urges other education leaders to pursue similar certifications to bolster their effectiveness in their roles.

This episode features a compelling discussion with my co-hosts, Seth and Derek, about our transformative field trip to Meeteetse, focused on the role of leadership in education. We explore insights gained from interviewing 48 superintendents and visiting Shane Ogden's school, where collaboration and community feedback are prioritized. The emphasis on project-based learning and life skills over standardized testing creates a dynamic environment for students to take ownership of their education. We contrast Meeteetse's inclusive approach with the challenges in our own district, highlighting the need for greater transparency and community engagement in education. This conversation advocates for a compassionate and community-driven educational system that values the voices of students, parents, and educators.

Lynn Misch, a family nurse practitioner with nearly 40 years of experience, discusses her health journey and her upcoming wellness summit focused on cultivating inner calm. She shares insights from her cancer diagnosis that led her to explore integrative health practices and the importance of addressing burnout in healthcare. The summit, occurring from December 1 to December 12, will feature experts on mindfulness and stress management. Lynn emphasizes the value of finding the right integrative practitioner and the coexistence of conventional and alternative medicine while promoting a holistic approach to wellness.