Episodes

  • School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next

    School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next
    Mar 10 2026
    March 9, 2026 ~ We are taking a step back to examine one of the most important and least understood parts of Michigan’s education system: how public schools are funded. From Proposal A to more recent policy updates, Michigan’s funding system has been shaped over decades of decisions that continue to influence what schools can offer students today. At the Skillman Foundation we believe a strong, future-ready education system is foundational to opportunity, economic vitality, and thriving communities. While funding changes have helped address some disparities, slow overall investment growth and rising student needs have created new challenges that affect classrooms across the state. Our guests—State Senator Sarah Anthony; Venessa Keesler, President & CEO of Launch Michigan; and Craig Thiel, Research Director of Citizens Research Council—help break down how school funding works today, why it looks the way it does, and what improvements could make possible for students, educators, and communities statewide. This conversation offers context for understanding where Michigan’s education system stands, and what it will take to strengthen it for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • Reporting Live From the Field

    Reporting Live From the Field
    Feb 17 2026
    Feb. 16, 2026 ~ We’re going behind the news desk to get the scoop on what is happening in schools from local education reporters Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET. Education news isn’t just about test scores. It’s about what our students are experiencing, how this helps or hinders them, and what can be done to better support them. It’s about whose perspectives are being heard as decisions are made. This is a critical time for education in Michigan, so we are turning the tables and interviewing the interviewers. Tune in for their real take on it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026

    Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026
    Jan 13 2026
    Jan. 12, 2026 ~ We’re looking back at the major education policy shifts of 2025—nationally and here in Michigan—and exploring what they indicate for the year ahead. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every citizen should have a shot at the American dream, and that starts with a strong, future-forward public education system. Constant reforms are happening to update and upgrade schools, although not all are effective or positive. Public education, like democracy itself, is a perpetual project that requires our steadfast commitment and ongoing examination. Our guests, Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, and Regina Bell, chief policy officer at the Council of Michigan Foundations, help us examine what happened in K-12 education policy last year—the good and the not-so-good—and what is on the horizon as we enter the new year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • How Parents Can Be More Involved with Their Children's Education

    How Parents Can Be More Involved with Their Children's Education
    Dec 1 2025
    Dec. 1, 2025 ~ Skillman Foundation CEO Angelique Power discussed the importance of parent involvement in education, highlighting the essential role parents play in shaping the education system and supporting their children. A mother of a special needs child shares her personal journey of advocating for her son and other children, emphasizing the need for explicit communication and collaboration between parents and schools. Sharlonda Buckman, assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement at Detroit Public Schools Community District, discusses the power of parent networks and community engagement in improving educational outcomes and influencing policy. Lastly, Brandon Sylvester underscored the impact of after-school programs and the importance of parental presence in children’s lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • What Will Our Kids Inherit?

    What Will Our Kids Inherit?
    Nov 9 2025
    Nov. 9, 2025 ~ What shapes a child’s future? In this episode, we examine the conditions Michigan kids are growing up in—from poverty and education to health and housing—and how policy decisions impact their well-being. Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy breaks down the latest Kids Count data. Kayla Tate of 482Forward offers a youth-driven perspective on what’s working and what’s missing. And former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow reflects on the role of elected leaders in responding to community needs and shaping a better future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • What Michigan Can Learn From Detroit

    What Michigan Can Learn From Detroit
    Oct 7 2025
    Oct. 6, 2025 ~ Improvements and innovations are happening in Detroit schools that Michigan can learn from. Listen in as Angelique Power sits down with Lawrence Hood, CEO of the charter school district Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Nikolai Vitti, who runs the largest school district in the state, Detroit Public Schools Community District. They talk about the changes schools can make to better support students, what schools can’t do alone, and who must help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • What Students Want

    What Students Want
    Sep 9 2025
    Sept. 8, 2025 ~ We sat down with three Michigan high school students–Messiah Bethel (senior at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy), Leela Dahabra (junior at the International Academy in Oakland County), and Grace Geresy (junior at Grosse Point South)–as they entered a new school year. What do they think about their educational experiences? Do they feel primed for college or a career? What are schools doing a great job at, and what can be improved? Is AI a help or a hindrance to learning? Hear what’s going on in school today straight from the source – students. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins
  • Can we agree? Especially if it's About Kids

    Can we agree? Especially if it's About Kids
    Aug 5 2025
    August 4, 2025 ~ Featured guest john powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, joins Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson for a timely conversation about how we can come together across political, racial, and social divides to improve education in Michigan. Drawing from his book, “The Power of How,” powell shares personal stories and practical ideas for building connection, fostering belonging, and making sure every student has a fair shot. With deep Detroit roots and global experience, powell brings fresh perspective to a conversation about compassion, common ground, and what it really takes to move forward—together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    42 mins