Ep. 208: Intro to the Budget Crisis In Tacoma Public Schools

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EQ: What does Tacoma public school’s budget crisis reveal about the future of public education in underfunded communities?

In this episode, we get real about what’s going on in Tacoma’s schools — a growing budget crisis that’s forced layoffs, cuts to programs, and tough choices about where resources go. Rising administrative salaries, restrictive state funding, and declining enrollment have all played a role, putting pressure on a district already stretched thin. We discuss how policy decisions made years earlier and a heavy reliance on temporary COVID funding paved the way for today’s struggles, and what it signals for underfunded districts across the country. As a crucial June 26 budget meeting approaches, the future of education in Tacoma hangs in the balance — and the community’s voice is more important than ever.

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Ep. 145: How Long Form Journalism Can Shape a Community

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Essential Question: What is the role of race and gender in shaping the ways that journalists convey particular stories or pursue "truth" pertaining to charged events?

Guests: 

You may know our guests from other Channel 253 shows or from hearing their voices as cohost of The Walk Home Podcast @NPR station @knkxfm.

Most recently, Kari was a panelist in the NF Live: Adult Civics Happy Hour

In this episode we focus on the evolution of journalism and what it means to sit at the intersection of race and gender in this profession. Mayowa and Kari are candid about their personal experiences and give us insight into their experience creating, recording, and shaping The Walk Home podcast.

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Kari: Media literacy–know who owns your local paper and who is shaping the stories; it’s key to our democracy

  • Mayowa: Donate to your local public radio station

  • Hope: If you haven’t, listen to “The Walk Home” (ditto)