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PODCAST

Public School Podcast

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

education education for kids

All Episodes

42:26

Foundation of Democracy: Education, Advocacy, and...

Public School Podcast ·

2025/12/24

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

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48:46

Nothing Greater Than a Raider

Public School Podcast ·

2025/12/17

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

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38:40

Teamwork, Heart, and Sunshine

Public School Podcast ·

2025/12/10

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

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35:04

Building Communities, One School at a Time

Public School Podcast ·

2025/12/03

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

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33:31

Badges for Hope: Turning Loss Into Light

Public School Podcast ·

2025/11/26

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

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32:30

Gatekeeper of the Valley

Public School Podcast ·

2025/11/19

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

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39:40

Discovering the Alternatives with the Amazing Disco...

Public School Podcast ·

2025/11/12

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

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29:58

Classroom Grandma

Public School Podcast ·

2025/11/05

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

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36:48

All Access Activities Pass

Public School Podcast ·

2025/10/29

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

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30:29

Leafing a Good Impression

Public School Podcast ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with a true local legend, Pinedale Elementary’s beloved custodian, Shane Cox. Known for his giant leaf piles and even bigger heart, Shane shares how a simple rake and a smile can make school feel like home. From early morning snow shoveling to surprise leaf-jumping parties, his care for students and staff goes far beyond cleaning. He’s building a community, one high five at a time.Laugh along as Sara and Bobbi

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51:35

Leading with Curiosity

Public School Podcast ·

2025/10/15

In this inspiring episode of Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Michael Birkeland, a true product of Rapid City Area Schools whose journey has come full circle. From student to teacher, board member, and now digital instructional designer, Michael’s story is proof that education isn’t just about books and grades, it’s about people, purpose, and community.He opens up about what it means to “lead with curiosity,” why he believes in the power of public

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36:12

A Fresh Start: Every Student's Path to Success

Public School Podcast ·

2025/10/08

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Dr. Justin Conroy, Title I Principal for Rapid City Area Schools, to shine a light on the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to support at-risk and transitioning students. From students returning from treatment or juvenile programs to those facing housing instability, Dr. Conroy shares how his team provides vital educational and emotional support through programs like Fresh Start and

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41:56

Building Hope and Pride

Public School Podcast ·

2025/10/01

In this episode of the Public School Podcast, the focus is on Central High School’s journey of culture, community, and pride. Hear how a shift toward hope and empowerment is changing the student and staff experience, why fun is embraced as part of education, and how the “Always a Cobbler Fund” is creating opportunities for the future. From hallway slip-n-slides to big dreams for alumni support, this conversation captures the heart of what it means to be “Always a Cobbler”. Hosted on Acast. See

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29:03

Opening Doors: Defining Student Success

Public School Podcast ·

2025/09/24

In this episode, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Kit Veit, Director of Student Success for Rapid City Area Schools. Kit shares her journey from growing up on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to becoming a teacher, superintendent, and now a leader focused on building positive school culture.The conversation dives into what student success really means—beyond grades and test scores—and how relationships, mental health, and community partnerships play a critical role. From

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29:53

Elevating Student Voices

Public School Podcast ·

2025/09/17

In this episode of Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick (Executive Director, Rapid City Public School Foundation) and Bobbi Schaefbauer (Community Relations Manager, Rapid City Area Schools) sit down with Kristen Kiner, Youth Engagement Coordinator for Rapid City Area Schools.Kristen shares her journey into youth engagement, the importance of amplifying student voices, and how programs like the Student School Board, Youth Task Force, and Take Action theatre group are giving young people the

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27:15

From Production to Panelist

Public School Podcast ·

2025/09/10

In this special episode of The Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer turn the tables and interview their own producer, Amy Rose. From her beginnings in Nashville radio to her role shaping every episode of this show, Amy shares her journey, the behind-the-scenes process of editing, and the unexpected lessons she’s learned about public education along the way.With stories of bloopers, mouth noises, and moments that still inspire her during the editing process, Amy gives

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32:35

Students Voice, Foundations Choice

Public School Podcast ·

2025/09/03

In this special episode of The Public School Podcast, hosts Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer turn the tables and interview their own producer, Amy Rose. From her beginnings in Nashville radio to her role shaping every episode of this show, Amy shares her journey, the behind-the-scenes process of editing, and the unexpected lessons she’s learned about public education along the way.With stories of bloopers, mouth noises, and moments that still inspire her during the editing process, Amy gives

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23:48

Upholding the Law, Uplifting Our Students

Public School Podcast ·

2025/08/27

In this episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer welcome Lara Roetzel, Pennington County State’s Attorney and the new president of the Rapid City Public School Foundation Board. Lara shares how her lifelong calling to public service connects with her passion for education, the powerful role schools play in crime prevention, and the importance of keeping students supported and engaged. From mentoring future lawyers to championing foundation grants and events like the

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23:32

Paging the Superintendent

Public School Podcast ·

2025/08/20

In this episode of Public School Podcast, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with the new superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools, Dr. Jami Jo Thompson. Fresh from Nebraska and just weeks into her new role, Dr. Thompson shares her journey from teaching middle school special education to leading entire districts, her vision for making Rapid City the “school of choice,” and her commitment to building trust through collaboration, transparency, and community partnerships. From tackling

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30:16

All My Best Friends Are Five

Public School Podcast ·

2025/08/13

In Episode 16, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with Leigh Shaw, a kindergarten teacher at Pinedale Elementary who brings heart, humor, and a deep understanding of child behavior into her classroom every day. From her own mischievous days as a student to being named Teacher of the Year at the very school she once attended, Leigh shares her full circle journey in education. She opens up about what it’s really like to teach five-year-olds, the power of guided play, why reading with kids

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36 results

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