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The Purple Zone
Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).
Bridging the Gap between Public Policy and Everyday Practice
The Purple Zone explores what it really means to align how we govern, how we educate, and how we show up for our communities.
Hosted by Alexis — a PhD student in public policy and administration, and longtime educator and advocate for kids, communities, and the systems that shape our lives. This podcast connects the dots between policy and practice, without the politics or platitudes.
It’s about naming what often goes unsaid — and making space for a more honest, human approach to systems that impact all of us.
How systems shape our communities, from policy on paper to action in practice. + Thinking Out Loud as a PhD Student
Episodes
42 episodes
The Culture Keeper: Building Schools Everyone Believes In
What does it take to build a school culture that kids, teachers, and families all want to be part of? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Sperber, longtime educator, self-described Culture Keeper, and incoming superintendent of the Le...
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Episode 42
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1:59:39
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What If We Talked Like Everyone Mattered?--The Dignity Index with Tami Pyfer
A year in the making, I was fortunate to sit down with Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index, for a conversation that could truly change the way we engage with the world around us.The Dignity Index is more than a meas...
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Episode 41
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1:24:08
Tech That Helps Parents Protect & Connect: Rethinking Digital Parenting with the Smartphone Alternative Troomi
Explore how Troomi is helping parents stay connected while setting healthy boundaries—because safer tech leads to stronger families."Troomi is the kids safe phone for digital wellness and positive mental health." ...
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Episode 40
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49:27
Crowded Classrooms, Cheerful Chalkboards, and a Case for a New Elementary School
What’s it really like to be an elementary school teacher in Idaho? In this episode, I chat with Teri Smith, a dedicated educator from the Middleton School District, about the joy, heart, challenges, and everyday realities of teaching.<...
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Episode 39
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52:26
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA): Exciting Opportunities for Your K-12 Journey
Join Alexis as she sits down with Jeff Simmons, Superintendent of the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), to explore the incredible opportunities this online school provides to students across Idaho. From elementary to high school,...
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Episode 38
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1:01:30
The Anatomy of a School Bond Proposal
BONUS EPISODE!We welcome Jake Dempsey, a dedicated school board trustee for the Middleton School District. Jake joins us to discuss Middleton's efforts to pass a critical school bond in the upcoming May election — a feat that...
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Episode 37
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1:03:43
Building Community Through Education: Insights from Lewiston Superintendent Lance Hansen
Alexis sat down with Lance Hansen, the Superintendent of the Year, from Lewiston School District #1. Lewiston is a community known for its collaborative spirit, and the school district plays a key role in this dynamic. Recently, Lance an...
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Episode 36
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59:14
Middleton Superintendent's Take: School Bond, Community Collaboration, & Highlights of the Year
Dr. Marc Gee, Superintendent of Middleton School District, sits down with Alexis to dive into the important role of a superintendent and how Middleton is working to support its school community. In this conversation, Dr. Gee provides an ...
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Episode 35
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1:29:02
Professional Learning Communities: Boosting Student Success & Teacher Collaboration
Have you heard of PLCs? These Professional Learning Communities are transforming education by improving student outcomes, enhancing teaching experiences, and fostering stronger school cultures. In this episode, Alexis sits down wi...
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Episode 34
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1:03:24
MORE Talk, Measured Action: Social Media Event, Vouchers, & Ed Policy
Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to discuss three critical topics impacting education in Idaho. First, they dive into the upcoming More Social Less Media Event—an opportunity...
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Episode 33
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1:09:39
Homeschooling in Idaho: Audra Talley on the Benefits, Challenges, and What’s Next
Alexis is joined by Audra Talley, board member of Homeschool Idaho, a homeschool parent, and a passionate advocate for educational choice. Together, they dive into the rich history of homeschooling in Idaho, the good and the ugly, explor...
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Episode 32
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1:10:31
Revamping Idaho's Grad Requirements: Digital Literacy & Future-Ready Students
Alexis welcomes Greg Wilson, Chief of Staff for Superintendent Debbie Critchfield of the Idaho Department of Education, to discuss the proposed changes to high school graduation requirements in Idaho. The conversation revolves arou...
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Episode 31
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1:27:17
Youth Mental Health in Idaho: Creating Upstream Prevention with Dr. Megan Smith
Join Alexis as she sits down with Dr. Megan Smith, Associate Professor in the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University and Executive Director for Communities for Youth. Together, they explore the mission of Communities f...
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Episode 30
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1:00:36
Investing in Idaho's School Communities with Jackie Yarbrough
In this episode, Alexis sits down with Jackie Yarbrough, Senior Program Officer of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, to explore how this unique foundation is transforming school communities across Idaho. While it may not seem typic...
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Episode 29
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1:30:50
Principal Power: How Middleton High is getting a BOOST in School Culture
In this episode, Alexis sits down with Johnny Hullinger, the dynamic principal at Middleton High School, who is now embarking on his second year of leadership. Born and raised in Weiser, Idaho, Johnny embodies the Idaho ethos of strong communit...
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Episode 28
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1:29:36
Idaho TECH Bill to Protect Kids and the More Social Less Media Movement
Special BONUS Episode: Alexis dives into two pivotal concepts that are shaping the future of education in Idaho. First, she discusses the groundbreaking Tech Bill that has been gaining robust support statewide. Guest Matt Todd, kno...
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Episode 27
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1:12:34
When Tragedy Sparks Change: A Conversation with YouMeWeAll Parents
In this eye-opening conversation, Alexis is joined by Tara Coffland and Kim Washington, founding members of the YouMeWeAll Boise (Youth Mental Wellness Alliance). This inspiring group was established after the heart-wrenching loss of four stude...
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Episode 26
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1:06:20
Marsing’s Community School Revolution: Bold Moves by School Leaders for Their Community
Join me for an inspiring conversation with Norm Stewart, the superintendent of the Marsing School District, as he discusses the successful implementation of the Community School Strategy in his district. Collaborating closely with the school bo...
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Episode 25
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1:11:23
Heartbeat of Music Education in Idaho with Mr. TJ Eriksen
Join Alexis as the interviews T.J. Eriksen, Band Director at Eagle High School, as they dive into the vibrant world of music education in Idaho! T.J. is an inspiring band teacher who has transformed the music program into one of th...
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Episode 24
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1:41:43
Funding, Attendance, and Teacher Retention with Superintendent Debbie Critchfield
Alexis sits down with Debbie Critchfield, the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Idaho, to explore what she is doing in her pivotal role in shaping the state’s education landscape. As the primary education leader, Debbie delves into her f...
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Episode 23
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1:12:08
Buses to Books: West Ada Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub shares what's in store for the district
In the exciting season opener, host Alexis Morgan sits down with Dr. Derek Bub, the superintendent of the West Ada School District, the largest district in Idaho, serving nearly 40,000 students. This engaging conversation covers essential topic...
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Episode 22
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1:15:54
Kids, Conversations, and the Future: Highlight Reel of My First Season
Join us for the season finale as Alexis sits down with her friend and producer, Matt, to reflect on an incredible first season. In this episode, Alexis shares six profound takeaways from this journey, fittingly concluding the season with insigh...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:09:16
Navigating Tough Choices: The Impact of Caldwell School District's Failed Supplemental Levy
In this episode, Alexis sits down with Marisela Pesina, the School Board Chairwoman for the Caldwell School District, to explore her journey from being the daughter of migrant workers to becoming a powerful advocate for her community. Marisela ...
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Episode 19
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1:49:22
Early Learning for Kids 5 years and younger with AEYC
Join Alexis in an enlightening conversation with Nicole Criner, the Director of External Relations and Development at the Idaho Association for Education of Young Children (ID AEYC), an organization that has been dedicated to supporting early c...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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50:31
Tackling Social Media's Effects on Gen Z: Insights from "The Anxious Generation" - PART 1
This week on the Our Kids Our Schools podcast, you get a PART 1 and PART 2, so be sure to listen to both as they are both being released TODAY. For the episode, Alexis welcomes back M...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:15:33
