This episode addresses a question that public school district leaders are asking nationwide. Should public schools spend money to recruit families? Public schools were never supposed to run enrollment campaigns. But the funding model changed, family behavior changed, and doing nothing now costs more than acting. In this episode, we unpack why outreach is no longer optional and why it is actually responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Learn the costs of inaction, the return on outreach, an...

This episode is a recording of Caissa K12’s National Parent Poll results webinar, which is a part of our annual research to assess family attitudes across school choice. To view the video recording, visit our youtube channel or use the following link: https://youtu.be/nK1-avCzvSY?si=b5U1R-lGrmmaQdJ8

Countries rarely fall with a crash; they shrink by decisions that feel “reasonable.” We tell a real, policy-based story from Iran through the eyes of “Leila,” a student who watches her access to quality education get taken away. Then we hold up the mirror: when we say “I don’t care if vouchers hurt other kids,” are we starting down the same slippery slope? This episode connects our new national poll on vouchers to real classroom ripple effects and explains why starving “their” schools shrinks...

When a college freshman breached PowerSchool’s network using stolen employee credentials, data from more than 60 million students was suddenly at risk. This isn’t just a tech story, it’s a wake-up call for district leaders and parents. In this episode, we unpack how the breach happened, why FERPA protections aren’t enough, and what every district should be demanding from vendors who hold student data. Because when it comes to privacy, protecting our students means protecting our communities.&...

Advocating for traditional public schools and their role in society may now get you labeled an “extremist.” In this second part of our conversation on How School Vouchers Destroy The Social Contract, we explore what happens when societies turn their backs on free public education. From declining national wealth and weakened economies to diminished quality of life, history offers clear warnings about the dangers of dismantling a universal education system. Join us as we examine those lessons a...

What happens to our society when we stop seeing public education as a shared responsibility? In this episode, we unpack what role public schools play in upholding the “social contract” and why it matters to every single one of us. Hear why the growing “school choice” movement sounds appealing but can actually chip away at the foundation of our communities. Learn the potential long-term impact of a system that pits schools against each other and how that affects not just students, but everyone...

The school choice debate isn’t about opposing options. It’s about demanding fairness. Real choice requires real facts, accountability, and access for all students. This episode unpacks how misleading language and policies distort public understanding and offers clear, effective talking points to help advocates reframe the conversation and win the narrative for public education.

In this special “Stump the Chump” episode, Caissa K12 Director of Client Relations Rashai Holmes puts Brian Stephens in the hot seat with real questions from public school leaders across the country. From tackling enrollment decline and improving student recruitment to staying competitive in a changing education landscape, Brian shares the strategies and advice that help districts succeed. If you’ve ever wondered how other school districts are adapting and thriving, this episode is packed wit...

Federal law may open the door, but state constitutions decide who gets to walk through it. In Part 2, we look at how different states interpret voucher laws, from Florida’s “uniform system” clause to South Carolina’s “direct benefit” ban. Learn how some states are designing modern voucher and ESA programs to survive constitutional scrutiny, and what you can do in your own state to ensure public school districts are able to compete.

Education choice is often framed as a political debate, but what does the law really say? In this first episode of a two-part series on the constitutionality of school vouchers, explore what federal laws say about vouchers and school choice. We break down landmark Supreme Court cases, explain why there’s no federal right to education, and explore how civil-rights protections like Title IX, IDEA, and the ADA shape today’s school voucher landscape at the federal level.

Most conversations about public education focus on how to improve it. In this episode, we flip the question through a process called inverting: instead of asking what schools must do to succeed, we ask what could destroy them. From financial fragility and political weaponization to media attacks, teacher demoralization, and the erosion of community support, we map out the ten biggest threats that could dismantle public schools if left unchecked. More importantly, we outline the strategies lea...

With school choice here to stay, public school districts must evolve to embrace the reality of competition. Rochanda Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation, and Testing at the Newark Board of Education, joins to discuss how her district has remained at the forefront. From leveraging the accountability of standardized testing to implementing proactive open enrollment strategies, she breaks down the key moves that have helped Newark stay ahead. Discover the im...

Following Caissa K12’s recent feature in The New York Times, Brian sits down to directly respond to some of the reactions and comments it sparked. Joined by producer Caroline Christian, he addresses common misconceptions about public school districts, highlights the double standards they often face, and discusses the challenges of operating on an uneven playing field. From debates about equity and accountability to the role of marketing and public perception, learn the reality public school d...

What happens when a society turns its back on public education? In this episode, we look at education’s past and present to uncover the devastating consequences cultures face when public education systems are dismantled or neglected. The loss of education doesn’t just slow progress and economic growth; it threatens the very foundation of a functioning society. From institutional collapse to dictatorship to war, undermining public education leaves entire generations behind. As threats to equal...

What can the history of public education teach us about its future? Across centuries and civilizations, public education has always played a central role in shaping societies and developing productive citizens. Learn how this global evolution defined the system we have today, and why understanding the importance of public education is vital in navigating the challenges districts are facing today.

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...

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 h...

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.

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 ...

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 increase...