https://simplecast.com “Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building. 2025 ~ Cumulus Media en Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:11 +0000 https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/51e42878-f1e7-4a15-8016-b011524d9dac/7aa98e6f-a387-438c-b362-0a26dd0ccc64/3000x3000/osoe-wjr-podtile-launch-may25-f-1080x1080-01.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com episodic “Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building. Cumulus Media Detroit false https://feeds.simplecast.com/6x1TuGCu Cumulus Media curtis.paul@cumulus.com 215747d1-0eeb-4216-8a15-0337282021e5 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/school-funding-why-how-whats-next-3b3E_8Pn School Funding: Why, How, & What’s Next Cumulus Media 00:41:47 March 9, 2026 ~ We are taking a step back to examine one of the most important and least understood parts of Michigan’s education system: how public schools are funded. From Proposal A to more recent policy updates, Michigan’s funding system has been shaped over decades of decisions that continue to influence what schools can offer students today. At the Skillman Foundation we believe a strong, future-ready education system is foundational to opportunity, economic vitality, and thriving communities. While funding changes have helped address some disparities, slow overall investment growth and rising student needs have created new challenges that affect classrooms across the state. Our guests—State Senator Sarah Anthony; Venessa Keesler, President & CEO of Launch Michigan; and Craig Thiel, Research Director of Citizens Research Council—help break down how school funding works today, why it looks the way it does, and what improvements could make possible for students, educators, and communities statewide. This conversation offers context for understanding where Michigan’s education system stands, and what it will take to strengthen it for the future. March 9, 2026 ~ We are taking a step back to examine one of the most important and least understood parts of Michigan’s education system: how public schools are funded. From Proposal A to more recent policy updates, Michigan’s funding system has been shaped over decades of decisions that continue to influence what schools can offer students today. At the Skillman Foundation we believe a strong, future-ready education system is foundational to opportunity, economic vitality, and thriving communities. While funding changes have helped address some disparities, slow overall investment growth and rising student needs have created new challenges that affect classrooms across the state. Our guests—State Senator Sarah Anthony; Venessa Keesler, President & CEO of Launch Michigan; and Craig Thiel, Research Director of Citizens Research Council—help break down how school funding works today, why it looks the way it does, and what improvements could make possible for students, educators, and communities statewide. This conversation offers context for understanding where Michigan’s education system stands, and what it will take to strengthen it for the future. false full 10 72f013b2-fa99-452b-9b70-15db4c42e182 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/reporting-live-from-the-field-rCRe6gvg Reporting Live From the Field Cumulus Media 00:42:20 Feb. 16, 2026 ~ We’re going behind the news desk to get the scoop on what is happening in schools from local education reporters Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET. Education news isn’t just about test scores. It’s about what our students are experiencing, how this helps or hinders them, and what can be done to better support them. It’s about whose perspectives are being heard as decisions are made. This is a critical time for education in Michigan, so we are turning the tables and interviewing the interviewers. Tune in for their real take on it all. Feb. 16, 2026 ~ We’re going behind the news desk to get the scoop on what is happening in schools from local education reporters Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET. Education news isn’t just about test scores. It’s about what our students are experiencing, how this helps or hinders them, and what can be done to better support them. It’s about whose perspectives are being heard as decisions are made. This is a critical time for education in Michigan, so we are turning the tables and interviewing the interviewers. Tune in for their real take on it all. false full 9 7af3f32e-26b3-456e-b6b4-2d9b9e3f76ba Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/big-shifts-in-education-whats-ahead-for-2026-jPE0dUAS Big Shifts in Education, What’s Ahead for 2026 Cumulus Media 00:42:20 Jan. 12, 2026 ~ We’re looking back at the major education policy shifts of 2025—nationally and here in Michigan—and exploring what they indicate for the year ahead. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every citizen should have a shot at the American dream, and that starts with a strong, future-forward public education system. Constant reforms are happening to update and upgrade schools, although not all are effective or positive. Public education, like democracy itself, is a perpetual project that requires our steadfast commitment and ongoing examination. Our guests, Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, and Regina Bell, chief policy officer at the Council of Michigan Foundations, help us examine what happened in K-12 education policy last year—the good and the not-so-good—and what is on the horizon as we enter the new year. Jan. 12, 2026 ~ We’re looking back at the major education policy shifts of 2025—nationally and here in Michigan—and exploring what they indicate for the year ahead. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every citizen should have a shot at the American dream, and that starts with a strong, future-forward public education system. Constant reforms are happening to update and upgrade schools, although not all are effective or positive. Public education, like democracy itself, is a perpetual project that requires our steadfast commitment and ongoing examination. Our guests, Bethany Little, managing principal at EducationCounsel, and Regina Bell, chief policy officer at the Council of Michigan Foundations, help us examine what happened in K-12 education policy last year—the good and the not-so-good—and what is on the horizon as we enter the new year. false full 8 597e4252-ecb1-4e50-9637-cda762219fc3 Mon, 1 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/how-parents-can-be-more-involved-with-their-childrens-education-AJtTIUOD How Parents Can Be More Involved with Their Children's Education Cumulus Media 00:42:20 Dec. 1, 2025 ~ Skillman Foundation CEO Angelique Power discussed the importance of parent involvement in education, highlighting the essential role parents play in shaping the education system and supporting their children. A mother of a special needs child shares her personal journey of advocating for her son and other children, emphasizing the need for explicit communication and collaboration between parents and schools. Sharlonda Buckman, assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement at Detroit Public Schools Community District, discusses the power of parent networks and community engagement in improving educational outcomes and influencing policy. Lastly, Brandon Sylvester underscored the impact of after-school programs and the importance of parental presence in children’s lives. Dec. 1, 2025 ~ Skillman Foundation CEO Angelique Power discussed the importance of parent involvement in education, highlighting the essential role parents play in shaping the education system and supporting their children. A mother of a special needs child shares her personal journey of advocating for her son and other children, emphasizing the need for explicit communication and collaboration between parents and schools. Sharlonda Buckman, assistant superintendent of Family and Community Engagement at Detroit Public Schools Community District, discusses the power of parent networks and community engagement in improving educational outcomes and influencing policy. Lastly, Brandon Sylvester underscored the impact of after-school programs and the importance of parental presence in children’s lives. false full 7 e6b965c3-ccb4-4f65-a08c-f1a827ecbb54 Sun, 9 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/what-will-our-kids-inherit-wWwzd8Gy What Will Our Kids Inherit? Cumulus Media 00:42:20 Nov. 9, 2025 ~ What shapes a child’s future? In this episode, we examine the conditions Michigan kids are growing up in—from poverty and education to health and housing—and how policy decisions impact their well-being. Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy breaks down the latest Kids Count data. Kayla Tate of 482Forward offers a youth-driven perspective on what’s working and what’s missing. And former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow reflects on the role of elected leaders in responding to community needs and shaping a better future. Nov. 9, 2025 ~ What shapes a child’s future? In this episode, we examine the conditions Michigan kids are growing up in—from poverty and education to health and housing—and how policy decisions impact their well-being. Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy breaks down the latest Kids Count data. Kayla Tate of 482Forward offers a youth-driven perspective on what’s working and what’s missing. And former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow reflects on the role of elected leaders in responding to community needs and shaping a better future. false full 6 a12847f4-8af1-4a83-98a2-4a751243851c Tue, 7 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/our-state-of-education-what-michigan-can-learn-from-detroit-_gMr1lEC What Michigan Can Learn From Detroit Cumulus Media 00:42:20 Oct. 6, 2025 ~ Improvements and innovations are happening in Detroit schools that Michigan can learn from. Listen in as Angelique Power sits down with Lawrence Hood, CEO of the charter school district Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Nikolai Vitti, who runs the largest school district in the state, Detroit Public Schools Community District. They talk about the changes schools can make to better support students, what schools can’t do alone, and who must help. Oct. 6, 2025 ~ Improvements and innovations are happening in Detroit schools that Michigan can learn from. Listen in as Angelique Power sits down with Lawrence Hood, CEO of the charter school district Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Nikolai Vitti, who runs the largest school district in the state, Detroit Public Schools Community District. They talk about the changes schools can make to better support students, what schools can’t do alone, and who must help. false full 5 c514df81-5c66-4bbc-9e84-53576bb7d788 Tue, 9 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/what-students-want-UR6sY7Rz What Students Want Cumulus Media 00:41:52 Sept. 8, 2025 ~ We sat down with three Michigan high school students–Messiah Bethel (senior at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy), Leela Dahabra (junior at the International Academy in Oakland County), and Grace Geresy (junior at Grosse Point South)–as they entered a new school year. What do they think about their educational experiences? Do they feel primed for college or a career? What are schools doing a great job at, and what can be improved? Is AI a help or a hindrance to learning? Hear what’s going on in school today straight from the source – students. Sept. 8, 2025 ~ We sat down with three Michigan high school students–Messiah Bethel (senior at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy), Leela Dahabra (junior at the International Academy in Oakland County), and Grace Geresy (junior at Grosse Point South)–as they entered a new school year. What do they think about their educational experiences? Do they feel primed for college or a career? What are schools doing a great job at, and what can be improved? Is AI a help or a hindrance to learning? Hear what’s going on in school today straight from the source – students. false full 4 9b3ee822-66dc-4592-b52c-a1327f930369 Tue, 5 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/john-powell-on-bridging-michigans-education-divide-FhzVLJOh Can we agree? Especially if it's About Kids Cumulus Media 00:42:20 August 4, 2025 ~ Featured guest john powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, joins Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson for a timely conversation about how we can come together across political, racial, and social divides to improve education in Michigan. Drawing from his book, “The Power of How,” powell shares personal stories and practical ideas for building connection, fostering belonging, and making sure every student has a fair shot. With deep Detroit roots and global experience, powell brings fresh perspective to a conversation about compassion, common ground, and what it really takes to move forward—together. August 4, 2025 ~ Featured guest john powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, joins Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson for a timely conversation about how we can come together across political, racial, and social divides to improve education in Michigan. Drawing from his book, “The Power of How,” powell shares personal stories and practical ideas for building connection, fostering belonging, and making sure every student has a fair shot. With deep Detroit roots and global experience, powell brings fresh perspective to a conversation about compassion, common ground, and what it really takes to move forward—together. false full 3 574f476e-2d0e-4078-8786-c4413a5d0f54 Tue, 8 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/rewriting-the-future-michigans-gubernatorial-hopefuls-on-fixing-k12-education-LoLrAjxP The Education Election: Candidates for Michigan Governor Weigh In Cumulus Media 00:42:19 July 7, 2025 ~ Michigan currently ranks 41st in educational outcomes. What will it take to change that? In this episode, Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson speak with Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls about their visions for transforming K–12 education. Topics include early literacy, career pathways, funding equity, and the potential for bipartisan collaboration. Listen in as the candidates share personal stories and policy ideas that could shape the future of Michigan’s schools. Featured guests include Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. July 7, 2025 ~ Michigan currently ranks 41st in educational outcomes. What will it take to change that? In this episode, Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson speak with Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls about their visions for transforming K–12 education. Topics include early literacy, career pathways, funding equity, and the potential for bipartisan collaboration. Listen in as the candidates share personal stories and policy ideas that could shape the future of Michigan’s schools. Featured guests include Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. false full 2 86f2747b-0c9e-4b0e-8a37-629d36b9291e Tue, 3 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/common-ground-uncommon-conversations-rethinking-education-in-michigan-Ugtdeh5_ Common Ground, Uncommon Conversations: Rethinking Education in Michigan Cumulus Media 00:37:30 June 2, 2025 ~ What happens when leaders from opposite sides of the aisle come together to tackle Michigan’s education challenges? This episode examines bipartisan efforts to enhance K-12 education, with a focus on practical solutions, teacher involvement in policymaking, and the need to address systemic inequities. You’ll also hear how business and philanthropic leaders are preparing youth for success beyond the classroom. Guests include State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D, MI-4), State Senator Ed McBroom (R, MI-38), and Ron Hall Jr., president and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors and board chair of the Skillman Foundation. June 2, 2025 ~ What happens when leaders from opposite sides of the aisle come together to tackle Michigan’s education challenges? This episode examines bipartisan efforts to enhance K-12 education, with a focus on practical solutions, teacher involvement in policymaking, and the need to address systemic inequities. You’ll also hear how business and philanthropic leaders are preparing youth for success beyond the classroom. Guests include State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D, MI-4), State Senator Ed McBroom (R, MI-38), and Ron Hall Jr., president and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors and board chair of the Skillman Foundation. false full 1 771d4187-962c-43dc-a986-6687661214dd Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://our-state-of-education.simplecast.com/episodes/our-state-of-education-premiers-monday-june-2-2025-at-7-pm-db_lJs0y Our State of Education ~ Premiers Monday, June 2, 2025 at 7 p.m. Cumulus Media 00:01:00 “Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building. “Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building. false trailer