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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

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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35:36

From the Principals Desk to the Community

Public School Podcast ·

2025/08/06

In this special episode, Sara and Bobbi sit down with Sarah Gross, the new principal at Knollwood Elementary and the unofficial historian of Rapid City Area Schools. Sarah shares her passion for discovering and preserving the stories behind the district's oldest buildings and most defining moments. From fires that reshaped campuses to the evolution of neighborhood schools, she has spent years uncovering the rich history that lives within the walls of our schools. Sarah also talks about her journey

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42:56

Stay Weird, Lead Strong

Public School Podcast ·

2025/08/06

In this uplifting and genuine conversation, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with North Middle School Assistant Principal Jayna Morrill. From singing in the halls to driving a Zamboni, Jayna shares how she leads with humor, heart, and authenticity. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of working in education, the importance of building relationships, and why being present matters more than perfection. With stories of champion builders, karaoke machines, and cinnamon rolls, this

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30:29

Rooted in Robbinsdale

Public School Podcast ·

2025/07/23

In this episode, Sara and Bobbi talk with Beth Keeney, principal at Robbinsdale Elementary and a passionate advocate for building community in public schools. With 25 years in education and nearly a decade as a principal, Beth shares how her journey shaped her approach to leadership, belonging, and student connection. From early morning greetings to innovative “community days” that bring different grade levels together, Beth is creating a culture where every student feels seen and supported. She

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24:05

The Power of Mentorship in Our Schools

Public School Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this episode, Sara and Bobbi sit down with Micah Bransford, the Teammates Program Coordinator for Rapid City Area Schools. Micah shares how this school-based mentorship program pairs students with trusted adult mentors, creating consistent, one-on-one connections that can last from third grade through graduation. With nearly 90 active matches and a growing presence across the district, Teammates is helping students feel seen, supported, and excited to show up. Micah also discusses how mentorship

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26:18

Feeding the Future

Public School Podcast ·

2025/07/09

In this episode, Sara and Bobbi sit down with Krista Lechner, Student Nutrition Manager for Rapid City Area Schools, who shares what it takes to feed thousands of students every day. With over eight years in the district and a background in dietetics, Krista breaks down the logistics, challenges, and heart behind the meals served in local schools. From early morning prep and satellite kitchens to expanding student choices and dreaming of a centralized facility, she gives listeners a real look at how

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30:11

Nursing Our Schools to Health

Public School Podcast ·

2025/07/02

In this episode of Public School Podcast, Sara and Bobbi sit down with Sateera Thompsen, Nurse Manager for Rapid City Area Schools. With over 40 years of nursing experience and more than 30 years dedicated to school health across multiple states, Sateera brings unmatched insight into the evolving role of nurses in education. From launching district-wide safety initiatives like AEDs and LifeVacs, to sharing powerful stories of student care and support, she reminds us how vital school nurses are in

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29:03

Beyond the Award: Get to Know Rapid City Area...

Public School Podcast ·

2025/06/25

In this episode of The Public School Podcast, Sara and Bobbi sit down with this year’s Rapid City Teacher of the Year, Ross Hunter, a passionate eighth-grade science teacher at Southwest Middle School. From a childhood shaped by Catholic school values to a winding path that eventually led him into education, Ross shares the honest, inspiring story of how he found his true calling in the classroom.He opens up about the realities of burnout, the importance of relationships with students and families,

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27:37

Like a Good Neighbor, Matt McCormick is There

Public School Podcast ·

2025/06/18

In this episode, we dive into the powerful impact that school communities have beyond just academics. From a heartfelt story about students being relocated due to construction, to the emotional and social connections that happen when kids get to spend time together outside the classroom. We explore the importance of these moments for students’ well-being and how it goes far beyond worksheets and computer work.We also highlight the incredible achievement of a local school earning the prestigious

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