Public School Podcast

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.

School funding can feel confusing, frustrating, and sometimes even controversial. In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Coy Sasse, Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Rapid City Area Schools, to break it all down in a way the community can understand.From property taxes and enrollment changes to aging school buildings and bond discussions, Coy explains where the money comes from, where it goes, and why things are not always as simple as they seem. The conversation dives into common misconceptions, the challenges districts are facing right now, and why investing in education matters for everyone, not just families with kids in school.This episode pulls back the curtain on the financial side of education and highlights how these decisions shape the future of Rapid City.

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.

Freshly named Rapid City Area Schools Teacher of the Year, Katey Swank joins the Public School Podcast to share the heart behind her fifth grade classroom at Meadowbrook Elementary. From hydroponic towers and native plant gardens to buddy programs and Feedback Fridays, Katey is building more than lessons. She is building confidence, resilience, and respect.In this conversation, Katey talks about teaching students how to disagree respectfully, support their opinions with real evidence, and learn from mistakes because that is when the brain grows. She shares how mentorship, veteran teacher support, and cross grade connections help educators stay in the profession and thrive beyond the first five years. With humor, honesty, and a few shout outs to her students and family, this episode is a celebration of public education and the power of teachers who lead with both high expectations and big hearts.Whether it is tying kindergarten shoelaces, launching a debate unit called Bring Your Receipts, or starting the day with three deep breaths, Katey reminds us that strong classrooms are built on courage, care, and community.

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Amanda Christensen, a special education program specialist who proudly describes herself as the district’s special ed help desk. Amanda shares her journey from Walmart management to education, how she found her purpose working with students, and why humor and humanity matter in some of the hardest conversations families face. The conversation explores early intervention, mental health, workforce development, IEP meetings, and the deep heart behind special education. Honest, funny, and deeply human, this episode shines a light on the people who never truly clock out and who work every day to do what’s best for kids.

What happens when first graders and high school artists team up on one creative project? Magic. In this episode of the Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Luke Gorder from Central High School and Ashley Whitehead from Wilson Elementary to talk about a cross-school art collaboration that turned student drawings into custom plushies. This conversation dives into imagination, mentorship, empathy, and the power of art to build community across age groups. From joyful first grader reactions to motivated high school artists, this episode is a reminder that creativity connects us and that learning does not stop at classroom walls.