In part one of the second episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Mark Lieberman reporter for Education Week covering K-12 school finance nationwide. He previously covered technology for EdWeek, digital learning and online education in the postsecondary world for Inside Higher Ed, and local news and culture in the D.C. area for a variety of outlets.
Michelle and Mark cover the financial struggles faced by rural schools due to funding cuts, particularly the implications of the Secure Rural Schools Act. They explore how these cuts can significantly impact school budgets, leading to potential layoffs and program reductions. The discussion shifts to the topic of private school choice, examining how it affects rural students and the challenges of limited private school options in these areas. The conversation highlights the complexities of education funding and the need for accountability in new educational policies.
Continuing the conversation, Michelle was joined David Ardrey, interim Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association, and Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). His decade-long service to the NREA includes his recent Presidency of the NREA in 2023; numerous board positions, committees, and legislative work; and serving on the NREA Foundation board.
During their conversation, Michelle and David cover a wide range of critical rural education issues. They discuss the impact of potential cuts to the Department of Education, the challenges of funding disparities, the importance of research and policy in rural education, the interconnectedness of food security and education, and the urgent need for advocacy to support rural schools. David emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education to combat poverty and improve the quality of life in rural communities.
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