Stretched, hosted by David Sturtz of Sturtz & Co and Mary Filardo of the 21st Century School Fund (and co-sponsored by the National Council on School Facilities (NCSF) and the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI)), takes listeners inside the real challenges of America’s public schools. Each episode features candid conversations with K-12 leaders and industry professionals on navigating funding gaps, facility struggles, and limited resources while striving to deliver great learning environments.
Episode 11: A Perspective from NCSF's Executive Director
Brandon Payne started out as a summer maintenance worker at his local school, working his way through being a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, leading the Office of School Facilities and Safety for the State of Alabama and now serves as the Executive Director of the National Council on School Facilities. He has had quite the journey through the K12 system and shares his thought on today's context around facilities, finance and enrollment. In short, we need more money for our schools while needing that money more strategically spent.
22 Oct 2025
Episode 10: Transparency, Trust & Finances
In this conversation, Jonathan Kassa shares his journey as a school board member and executive director of Zero Now, emphasizing the importance of school safety and effective facilities management. He discusses the challenges of public education, including funding, infrastructure, and community engagement. Kassa highlights the need for transparency and trust in school governance, advocating for data-driven decision-making and the integration of safety measures into educational planning. The discussion also touches on the significance of educating school leaders about capital planning and the necessity of prioritizing student needs in all decisions.
13 Oct 2025
Episode 9: 5,280 days
In this conversation, David Sturtz, Mary Filardo, and Mathew Palmer discuss the critical role of school planning within the broader context of community development. They explore the importance of school locations, the trade-offs involved in urban versus suburban planning, and the need for creative solutions to address underutilization of schools. The discussion also highlights the alignment of data and morality in making decisions about school closures, the challenges of funding disparities, and the necessity of effective planning departments within school districts. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, cities, and counties to create a cohesive approach to education and community development.
6 Oct 2025
Episode 8: Guidance for Strategic Planning
This conversation explores the challenges and strategies in K-12 education, focusing on the importance of data analysis, facility conditions, and effective planning. Kevin Barlow shares his journey from teaching to data science, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to improve student outcomes. The discussion highlights a framework for educational facility data, the significance of asking the right questions, and the impact of building conditions on student attendance. The conversation also addresses operational efficiency, the balance between autonomy and support in schools, and the evaluation of accountability systems in education.
30 Sept 2025
Episode 7: It Takes a Village
In this conversation, David Sturtz and Dr. Rick Fernandez explore the evolving landscape of K-12 education, focusing on the integration of career technical education (CTE) and the importance of partnerships with the private sector. Rick shares his journey from teaching to administration and consulting, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by school districts. The discussion highlights the significance of community engagement, funding strategies, and the role of leadership in navigating financial pressures and adapting school infrastructure to meet the needs of both students and the broader community. In this conversation, Rick and his colleagues delve into the complexities of fiscal responsibility in education, emphasizing the need for measurable outcomes and transparency in decision-making. They discuss the intricate nature of public education systems and the importance of marketing schools to attract students. Trust in partnerships is highlighted as a crucial element for navigating challenges in K-12 education, particularly in the context of community engagement and innovative strategies for collaboration. The discussion culminates in actionable insights for school districts to connect with their communities and enhance educational outcomes.
19 Sept 2025
Episode 6: The Planning Mindset
In this conversation, Matthew Palmer discusses his journey into school facility planning, emphasizing the importance of a planning mindset that connects knowledge to action. He highlights the challenges faced in community planning, the role of data in decision-making, and the need for schools to serve as community anchors. Palmer advocates for a holistic approach to education that prioritizes student well-being and community engagement, while also addressing the complexities of school siting in both growing and declining communities.
15 Sept 2025
Episode 5: Transforming Fargo's Schools
This conversation delves into the comprehensive facility planning process undertaken by Fargo Public Schools, highlighting the importance of life cycle replacement projects, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making. The discussion emphasizes the need for equitable resources and opportunities for students, the challenges of school consolidation, and the significance of sustainability in planning. The speakers reflect on the successes and future steps necessary to maintain and improve the facilities while ensuring that the needs of the community and students are met.
8 Sept 2025
Episode 4: Revitalizing Jackson Public Schools
In this conversation, Dr. William Merritt, Chief of Staff for Jackson Public Schools, discusses the significant changes in Jackson, Mississippi, over the past two decades, including population decline and its impact on school enrollment and infrastructure. He highlights the challenges faced by aging facilities, particularly HVAC systems, and the positive impact of ESSER funds on school improvements. Dr. Merritt emphasizes the need for a comprehensive facility master plan and collaboration between the city and school district to revitalize education in Jackson. He envisions a future with modern, larger schools that provide a true educational experience, including early childhood education and career technical programs.
2 Sept 2025
Episode 3: Building a Better Future: Guilford County Schools
This conversation explores the challenges faced by Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, particularly in relation to a $2 billion bond initiative aimed at addressing deferred maintenance and improving school facilities. In conversation with Julius Monk, Deputy Superintendent, Business and Operations at Guilford County Schools, the discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, effective communication strategies, and the financial mechanisms necessary to support such a large-scale project. Additionally, the conversation delves into the labor market challenges in facility maintenance, the need for skilled trades, and the role of state support in education funding.
22 Aug 2025
Episode 2: Navigating Challenges
In this conversation, David Sturtz, Mary Filardo, and Kelly Horn discuss the challenges and strategies faced by Arlington ISD in managing K-12 facilities and operations. They explore the impact of enrollment trends, particularly the shift towards charter schools, and the importance of effective communication and marketing to attract families. The discussion also highlights the district's investments in modernizing schools, the need for limited high-quality choices in education, and the financial strains that many school districts are experiencing. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of a system-wide approach to education that ensures equitable access and quality for all students.
15 Aug 2025
Episode 1: Introductions
In this podcast, David Sturtz and Mary Filardo discuss the pressing challenges facing K-12 school facilities, emphasizing the need for effective planning and resource allocation. They explore the interconnectedness of educational outcomes and facility conditions, the expanded role of schools in communities, and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. The conversation highlights the necessity of addressing the fundamental resource problems in education and the role of the newly established National Center on School Infrastructure in supporting these efforts.
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