Just Thinking...

• Funding Crisis Hits California’s Rural Schools: Advocates Call for Action Now!

  As federal funding hangs in the balance, California’s rural school districts face a stark challenge: how to maintain essential services amid the uncertain future of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Originally established to offset declines in timber revenue from federal lands, the Act has become a lifeline for hundreds of districts. But after failing to gain reauthorization in 2024, many schools now confront steep budget cuts—some losing up to 20% of their funding.What happens to rural education when vital federal dollars suddenly vanish—and what can educators do to make their voices heard?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, welcomes back Yuri Calderon, Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA). Together, they unpack the historical importance and current jeopardy of the Secure Rural Schools Act, explore how legislative advocacy plays a critical role in sustaining small school systems, and share practical strategies for engaging lawmakers.Key discussion points from the episode:The Secure Rural Schools Act’s impact: How the loss of this critical funding—up to $700,000 for some districts—threatens staffing, services, and student outcomes.Why legislative engagement matters: Calderon shares his recent efforts lobbying all 51 California congressional offices and explains how educators can effectively advocate for their communities.SSDA’s on-the-ground support: From the E3 Forums (Engage, Empower, Elevate) to statewide initiatives focused on school culture and attendance, SSDA is bringing resources and relationships to the most remote parts of California.Yuri Calderon is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association, representing over 600 school districts across California, many of which serve rural and isolated communities. With a background in education leadership and a reputation for passionate, hands-on advocacy, Calderon works tirelessly to secure funding, support leadership development, and elevate the voices of small district educators statewide.

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• The Future of Education Technology Relies on Responsible Technology Use

  Dr. Karla Burkholder, talks about education technology facing concerns of removal in schools, or revamping for responsible student use.

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• Just Thinking… About Developing the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Professionals with Josh Nieves

  The skilled trades industry is at a crossroads. With a growing labor shortage and an aging workforce, industries like construction and electrical work face urgent challenges in attracting and developing new talent. While the demand for skilled trade professionals is expected to continue rising, many young people remain unaware of the career opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocational training.How can we bridge this gap and make the trades a first-choice career path rather than a backup option?Welcome to Just Thinking. In this episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Josh Nieves, the Principal and CEO of Ascender Consulting, Founder of This Hudson Farm, and Regional Workforce Development Lead at Miller Electric. They discuss how education, industry partnerships, and company culture can transform workforce readiness and help create a strong pipeline of skilled trade professionals.The main topics of conversation…Attracting Talent: Why early exposure to trade careers is critical and how schools can help shift perceptions about vocational education.Training and Development: The role of mentorship, hands-on learning, and leadership training in shaping a resilient workforce.Retention Strategies: How companies can build loyalty through culture, career growth opportunities, and competitive benefits.Josh Nieves is a seasoned workforce development leader, master electrician, and business strategist with extensive experience in the construction and electrical industries. He specializes in talent development, leadership training, and strategic workforce planning for the skilled trades. With a background in managing large-scale projects—including the Brooklyn bridge restoration, LaGuardia airport redevelopment, and Google headquarters—Josh is dedicated to elevating construction professionals through education, mentorship, and career transformation.

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• JUST THINKING… about CCMR with a Focus on Military Readiness

  The role of education in shaping military readiness is often overlooked, yet its impact on future generations is profound. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we think about career readiness, discussions on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) highlight the pressing need for holistic preparation. While college and career pathways often dominate these conversations, military readiness remains underexplored, despite its pivotal role in shaping disciplined, capable leaders. With 1.3 million active-duty service members in the U.S., the stakes for preparing the next generation of recruits are immense.Why does military readiness matter in today’s CCMR framework? How can educators and leaders foster a deeper understanding of military pathways while debunking misconceptions?In this episode of Just Thinking…, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Joshua Roberts, a retired Senior Master Sergeant, resilience coach, and keynote speaker. Together, they explore the nuances of military readiness, its role within the CCMR framework, and the untapped potential for educators to shape future service members. From resilience in personal trials to the broader implications of military service, this episode offers a profound look at how education and leadership intersect with national service.Key takeaways from the episode:Military Service and Misconceptions: Why military service should be seen as a prestigious and impactful career option, rather than a fallback.Resilience and Leadership: How resilience, honed through personal and professional challenges, translates into leadership qualities essential for military and civilian life.Educators as Influencers: The critical role of teachers in guiding students toward military readiness, fostering critical thinking, and instilling values of discipline and service.Joshua Roberts is a seasoned leadership coach and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals and teams toward transformational growth. A retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Joshua has led teams in high-pressure environments and conducted leadership workshops across industries, specializing in resilience, confidence, and strategic growth. As the founder of Fusewell Strategies, he offers personalized coaching, dynamic workshops, and impactful speeches, helping leaders and organizations achieve measurable results and unlock their full potential.

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• Just Thinking... About Breaking Educator Isolation Through Trust and Collaboration

  Education stands at a pivotal moment. Rapid societal changes and evolving student needs are challenging traditional school structures. Teachers are facing significant stress, with 44% of K–12 educators reporting burnout "often" or "always," according to a Gallup survey. Feelings of isolation among educators further compound these challenges, emphasizing the need for more connected and supportive educational environments prioritizing trust and collaboration.How can schools transform into spaces where educators feel empowered and supported to drive meaningful change?In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Sanfelippo, former superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin. Together, they explore how schools can break cycles of isolation, foster trust, and reframe the narrative around education to inspire educators and students alike.Key Points of Discussion:Combatting Isolation in Education: Joe shares strategies for creating intentional opportunities for collaboration to address the isolating nature of teaching.The Critical Role of Trust: Building trust requires consistency and meaningful interactions that value every role within the school system.Reframing the Narrative: Changing how educators talk about their work can reshape public perception and boost morale within schools.Joe Sanfelippo is an education leader with 26 years of experience, including 12 years as superintendent in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Known for his storytelling and innovative leadership, Joe has inspired educators across the globe to foster school cultures built on trust and empowerment. His experience includes roles as a teacher, counselor, and principal, equipping him with a broad understanding of the education system.

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