Q&A with Alexis- Finding the right school fit and more
Katie interviews Alexis to discuss the myth of a “perfect” school fit, and what to prioritize when making school choices. They also talk about what to do if issues arise in the classroom, and how to thank teachers and staff at the end of a school year.
6 May 2026
Legislative Session Recap
The legislative session finished up in April. We unpack three education issues from the session (budget cuts and colleges, virtual schools and IDLA, and high-performing districts flexibility) and discuss how they might affect Idaho families.
22 Apr 2026
May primary elections and the weight they hold in Idaho
In just one month, Idahoans will go to the polls and vote in the primary elections for all 105 legislative seats, as well as the governor, superintendent of public instruction, and many other positions. For both the Democratic and Republican parties, these elections often determine who will win in the general election. Alexis and I discuss how these elections work and their implications for education.
8 Apr 2026
Understanding and engaging with your local school board
This week, we hear about Alexis’ experience as a school board trustee. She also gives practical suggestions for how we can all engage with our local school boards, from “headline engagers” to “issue-by-issue engagers” to “all-out engagers.”
25 Mar 2026
The funding formula– why it matters for Idaho schools and students
This week, Alexis and Katie discuss that although the funding formula can be complicated, it matters to families in Idaho. This formula, which hasn’t been overhauled since 1994, determines how much money is given to school districts and charter schools to run their classrooms. More than $ 2.5 billion is being allocated.
11 Mar 2026
The four-day school week: where it came from and what it looks like for families
This week, Alexis and Katie take a look at four-day school weeks in Idaho. What started as an attempt for rural school districts to save money has now spread throughout the state. In 2015, about 27,000 Idaho students attended a four-day school. In 2024, the number was around 100,000.
Some families love four-day school weeks. Others struggle with them. We look at all the pros and cons and help you see what this might look like for your family if you are not already on a four-day school week. Plus, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Alexis gives wise advice about family holiday traditions.
4 Mar 2026
Episode 8: Charter Schools vs. Traditional Schools: What you need to know
Schooling choices can come with real decision fatigue. Whether your child attends a charter school or you know nothing about them, tune in this week to get the big picture on what makes charter schools different than traditional schools, and get help making those important schooling decisions.
25 Feb 2026
Episode 7- Answering Your Questions: School Decisions and Spring Break Plans
In this episode, Alexis and Katie discuss legislative updates, including attempts to address the $100 million special education funding gap. They also answer questions about choosing a school for your child, and what to do over spring break.
18 Feb 2026
Episode 6: Medical Education: Plans to bring more doctors to Idaho families
With Idaho’s 50th ranking in physicians per capita, you might have experienced long doctor wait times or trouble finding a specialist for you or your kids. This week, Katie and Alexis discuss how state leaders are aiming to address this problem through medical education.
11 Feb 2026
Episode 5 - Idaho’s Virtual Public Schools: Balancing Benefits and Costs for Families
Some Idahoans see public virtual schools as a great alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools.
Others worry about their lack of oversight and the drain on the public school budget.
This week, Katie and Alexis unpack these opinions, as well as the 2026 legislative debates.
Find us on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6AT1zf3DMkT5BWC2yVEdg3?si=ce1d9ad2a9f7464d&nd=1&dlsi=8256f34ef97a4c07) and Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idaho-education-unpacked/id1870998893).
6 Feb 2026
Episode 4 - Private School Choice Vouchers and What the Debates Mean for You
Last year, the legislature passed a bill that allows public money to be used for private schools/homeschooling. In this episode, Katie and Alexis explain what that means for you and your family, and help unpack the many voices and opinions around this legislation.
28 Jan 2026
Episode 3 - Idaho’s $100 Million Special Education Gap — What It Means for All Kids
Legislators have already debated Idaho's increasingly dated funding formula this session (https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/statehouse-roundup-1-27-26-jfac-co-chair-urges-policy-committee-to-tackle-k-12-funding-formula/). In this week's podcast, Katie and Alexis explore that formula, how it's led to a $100 million gap for special education, and how that gap can affect all kids.
23 Jan 2026
Episode 2 - Making sense of Idaho's "budget deficit" and what the funding gap could mean for education
In this week's second podcast of Education: Unpacked (https://www.idahoednews.org/idaho-education-unpacked-podcast/navigating-the-legislature-and-ways-you-can-engage/)the moms discuss Idaho's "budget deficit" and what the funding gap could mean for education.
15 Jan 2026
Episode 1 – Navigating the legislature and ways you can engage
This week the Idaho moms talk about navigating the Legislature and ways you can engage.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Contact Idaho Education: Unpacked
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Idaho Education: Unpacked?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
