In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Nicole Uhre-Balk, a former Rapid City teacher, public school graduate, and current South Dakota legislator, for a wide-ranging conversation about education, advocacy, and community.Nicole shares her unconventional path into teaching (inspired by The Matrix), her journey through Rapid City schools, and how classroom experience prepared her for life in the legislature. From advocating for students and families to explaining how teachers shape democracy itself, Nicole offers a powerful reminder that public schools are more than buildings, they are the foundation of a strong society.The episode explores the importance of communication between educators and lawmakers, how communities can better support schools, and why students and teachers continue to give her hope for the future. Honest, uplifting, and deeply rooted in service, this conversation highlights the impact educators have far beyond the classroom.

Foundation of Democracy: Education, Advocacy, and Finding the Code

In this energetic and insightful episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Jocelyn Hafner, principal of Stevens High School, a proud Raider, passionate leader, and self-proclaimed rule follower doing her best to survive two Type B hosts. Jocelyn shares what makes Stevens truly special, from its academic excellence and nationally competitive ACT scores to its award-winning fine arts, athletics, and real-world learning opportunities. She dives into innovative classroom strategies, student voice and participation, and why inclusiveness and belonging are at the heart of Stevens culture.The conversation highlights meaningful traditions, student leadership, community partnerships, and exciting initiatives like the Johnson Trust, student-designed spaces, a student-run coffee shop, and a brand-new senior service day focused on giving back. With humor, heart, and data to back it up, Jocelyn reminds listeners why public schools matter and why Stevens High School continues to thrive.

Nothing Greater Than a Raider

In this feel-good, joy-filled episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Knollwood Elementary’s dynamic duo Ali Williams, Teacher of the Year, and Tina Rank, Support Person of the Year.These two bring sunshine everywhere they go, and this conversation proves it. Tina shares her 14-year journey as the heart of Knollwood, supporting tier-two and tier-three students, running crosswalk duty, mentoring kids who need a little extra love, and keeping spirits high through the school’s beloved Sunshine Committee.Ali gives us a peek into her wildly creative first-grade classroom from human-body units that turn into ice-skating lessons to published class books, writing celebrations, and the breakthrough moments that make teaching magical.Together, they talk about collaboration, community, patience, and the power of asking for help. Their stories from terminally ill students who changed their lives to fifth graders who still hug them in the hallways remind us why public schools matter and why the people inside them are everyday heroes.This episode is warm, funny, heartfelt, and an absolute celebration of the people who keep our schools going.

Teamwork, Heart, and Sunshine

In this inspiring episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Dave Swank, a former Canyon Lake Elementary principal, Teach For America alum, USD professor, and proud Rapid City schools graduate.Dave shares his unlikely journey from “ten-and-a-half-year undergrad” to teacher, principal, and now board member for the Rapid City Public School Foundation. With humor and heart, he reflects on the moments that shaped him, from being mobbed by kindergarteners on the playground to launching interest groups, personalized learning, and the Lakota Immersion School on historic ground.He opens up about what it really means to lead a school, why principals are the “mayors of tiny communities,” how to protect and support teachers, and why innovation thrives when educators have freedom to try new ideas. Whether he’s explaining sandbox pottery, the magic of soup-and-frybread Fridays, or what truly makes public schools vital, Dave brings insight, warmth, and genuine love for education.This conversation is thoughtful, fun, and full of real talk from someone who’s lived almost every role in a school building.

Building Communities, One School at a Time

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Dustin Calhoun - co-founder of Black Hills Badges for Hope, Rapid City Public School Foundation board member, dad, grad student, and full-time community-builder.Dustin opens up about the deeply personal origins of Badges for Hope, a program born from tragedy and transformed into a lifeline of hope for hundreds of students. From providing trumpets, sports fees, and warm coats to creating magical “Badges and Kids Christmas” shopping nights, Dustin shares how the program bridges the gap between first responders and youth while giving kids a chance to feel supported, safe, and seen.The episode is filled with unforgettable stories, a child buying silverware for his grandparents, a teen gifting cereal to the police chief, and students learning that someone in their community truly cares. Dustin’s passion, humor, and heart make this a moving conversation about healing, service, and planting seeds of hope in the next generation.

Badges for Hope: Turning Loss Into Light

On this episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Jessica Gates, the endlessly cheerful secretary at Rapid Valley Elementary and the district’s reigning Support Person of the Year.Jessica shares her journey from a 20-year Air Force career to becoming the “gatekeeper” of Rapid Valley. With a blend of humor, heart, and fierce dedication, she opens up about navigating her first civilian job, building relationships with families, welcoming new students, and yes, managing surprise dog and cat drop-ins during school hours.From organizing Air Force band assemblies to helping families access food assistance, Jessica’s passion shines through every story. Her love for the “little people,” her PTA leadership, and her belief that every child deserves to feel welcomed and cared for make this episode warm, funny, and inspiring.

Gatekeeper of the Valley

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of The Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Dennis Morton, Teacher of the Year at Rapid City Alternative Academy or as his students like to call him, The Amazing Disco Wizard. Once a high school dropout himself, Dennis now teaches the very students who remind him of who he used to be...kids on the edge of giving up. His journey from managing retail stores to leading a classroom is proof that life doesn’t always follow a straight line. He opens up about his path to becoming an educator, the powerful Discovery Program that’s changing lives, and how Dungeons &amp; Dragons helps his students find connection, confidence, and belonging. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with lessons about resilience, relationships, and the magic of second chances.

Discovering the Alternatives with the Amazing Disco Wizard

In this heartwarming episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Michelle Eckles, Central High School’s Support Person of the Year. With 25 years of dedication as a paraprofessional, Michelle proves that kindness, laughter, and authenticity go a long way in shaping young lives. From helping high school freshmen find their footing to turning simple classroom moments into lifelong memories, Michelle’s “grandma energy” and gentle humor have made her a student favorite. She shares how her life experiences as a widow, mother, and proud grandma have shaped her purpose: to meet every student where they are and help them see their own potential. It’s a joyful, genuine, and deeply inspiring conversation about the power of showing up, staying kind, and believing that everyone has a gift worth nurturing.

Classroom Grandma

In this episode of Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Central High School Activities Director Jordan Bauer, whose energy for student life might just outshine the Friday-night lights. From heartfelt stories about students finding their place through sports to a viral homecoming halftime performance that left him with sore hamstrings and a roaring crowd, Jordan reminds us that school spirit is about so much more than games. It’s about connection. He opens up about balancing academics and athletics, celebrating every student’s success (and failure), and why showing up for kids, whether in the bleachers, the classroom, or the choir room, can change a life. It’s an inspiring, laugh-out-loud conversation that proves being a “Cobbler” isn’t just a mascot, it’s a mindset.

All Access Activities Pass

Welcome to The Public School Podcast, where real stories, real people, and real passion foreducation come together. Hosted by Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Public SchoolFoundation, and Bobbi Schaefbauer, Community Relations Manager for Rapid City AreaSchools, we’re diving into the heart of public education. Each episode, we sit down with community members, dedicated school staff, and passionateadvocates to ask one simple but powerful question:Why do public schools matter? From classroom wins to community-wide challenges, The Public School Podcast is yourfront-row seat to the conversations that shape our students’ futures and our shared tomorrow.

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