Public School Podcast

What does it really take to teach the youngest learners in our schools? In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Jennifer Maciejewski, a junior kindergarten teacher at Valley View Elementary and former South Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist. Jennifer shares what a typical day looks like in her classroom, the importance of early childhood education, and how those first school experiences shape a child’s future.The conversation also dives into the heart behind teaching, the challenges and rewards of working with little learners, and the unexpected opportunities that come with being recognized for excellence, including a once in a lifetime ride in a Blue Angels jet. It is a fun, honest look at the people who help build the foundation for lifelong learning.

What happens when a local journalist is also a parent in the school system? In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Chris Hornick of Homeslice Media and the Rapid City Post to talk about the unique perspective of covering schools while raising kids in them. From funny parenting moments to the responsibility of sharing accurate, positive stories, Chris gives an inside look at how local media and public schools work together to inform and strengthen the community. The conversation also highlights the impact of teachers, the importance of local storytelling, and why supporting public education matters for everyone. Plus, a few laughs along the way, including one unforgettable forged signature story.

School librarians are doing far more than shelving books and checking them out. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with West Middle School librarian Shelley Rath to explore what the role really looks like today. From helping students discover a love of reading to teaching research skills, navigating technology, and even managing hundreds of student devices, Rath shares how the job has evolved. She opens up about her own journey from struggling reader to lifelong educator, the importance of access to books, and the small moments that make the biggest impact on students. It is a conversation about curiosity, connection, and why libraries still matter in a fast paced, digital world.

Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with guest Stacy Nehring, a Rapid City parent and founder of the Live Like Lily Foundation. After the loss of her daughter Lily following her sixth grade year, Stacy and her family turned tragedy into purpose. Inspired by an essay Lily wrote about kindness, the foundation was created to carry on her message of lifting others up through simple, meaningful actions. In this conversation, Stacy shares how small acts like compliments can change someone’s life, how the foundation supports students through scholarships and service, and how her family continues to honor Lily’s legacy across the community. It is a heartfelt reminder that even the smallest kindness can leave a lasting impact.

Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that make the biggest impact.In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer are joined by foundation board members Gretchen Burke and Laura Newman to talk about the “Above and Beyond” program, a simple but powerful way to recognize the people who make a difference in Rapid City Area Schools.From handwritten cards to surprise classroom visits, the program celebrates teachers, staff, and support teams who go the extra mile every day. The conversation dives into the emotional moments, the ripple effect of appreciation, and why recognition matters now more than ever in education.You’ll hear heartfelt stories, unexpected moments of joy, and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a few kind words to change someone’s day.

After more than four decades in the same classroom, Lori Rutherford is preparing to close an incredible chapter in Rapid City education.In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with the longtime West Middle School teacher to reflect on her 41-year career, the relationships that shaped her journey, and the moments that made it all worth it. From teaching through decades of change to witnessing the impact she’s had on generations of students, Lori shares heartfelt stories, honest challenges, and the deep passion that kept her in the classroom year after year.This conversation is a powerful reminder of the lasting influence educators have, and why public schools matter more than ever.

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Kallie Gebhard, former Horace Mann Elementary Teacher of the Year and now assistant principal at Grandview Elementary. Kallie shares her journey from fifth grade classroom teacher to school leadership and reflects on the lessons that shaped her along the way.From building trust with students to helping them take ownership of their learning, Kallie talks about the importance of relationships in education and why meeting students where they are matters. The conversation dives into the Leader in Me program, how empowering students to lead can transform school culture, and why community involvement is so important for schools.Kallie also shares heartfelt stories about the moments that make a career in education meaningful, including the students who return years later just to say hello. It is an honest look at the heart behind public education and the educators who show up every day to support students, families, and their community.

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome two leaders from Rapid City Area Schools’ counseling team, Elizabeth Russ and Brittany Henry-James. As the district’s secondary and elementary lead counselors, they offer an honest look at what school counseling really involves.From helping students navigate grief, housing instability, and mental health struggles to celebrating everyday wins in the classroom, Elizabeth and Brittany explain how counselors support the whole child. They also talk about how the role of school counselors has changed over time, the importance of collaboration among educators, and why building trusting relationships with students can make all the difference.This conversation highlights the compassion, teamwork, and steady presence counselors bring to schools every day as they help students face life’s toughest moments and keep moving forward.