Matt Palaoro sits down with Brenna Copeland, Chief Financial Officer for Jeffco Public Schools to break down school finance into something everyone can understand. Brenna’s expertise and sense of humor make navigating the maze of school funding and budgets not only manageable but surprisingly fun. From property taxes and mill levies to how schools decide between hiring more teachers or adding electives, this episode covers it all—without the jargon overload. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about where your tax dollars go, Brenna helps make it clear how school budgets impact every classroom. Plus, you’ll learn how you can have a voice in these financial decisions. If you’ve ever wondered how schools get funded and how that impacts your community, don’t miss this episode. We promise it’s not just numbers—it’s about shaping the future of education in a way that makes sense for everyone.

In this episode of Elevate Education, we are thrilled to have Crisanta Duran, a trailblazer in public service and a passionate advocate for education and social justice. Join us as we dive into the critical topic of empowering communities through education and civic engagement. Crisanta shares her journey from growing up in Jefferson County to becoming the first Latina Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives.  We explore education system challenges, how schools can foster greater civic participation and the importance of equitable opportunities for all students. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership and advocacy. Stay Connected: Enjoyed today’s episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with others. Have questions or topic suggestions? Let us know through the sharing form.  

In today's fast-paced, tech-driven world, cell phones are a constant companion—but what happens when schools hit the brakes and say, "No phones allowed?" On this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, host Matt Palaoro talks with Chris Hagel, Chief Information Officer at Peninsula School District in Washington. With over two decades of experience in K-12 technology, Chris shares how his district navigated restricting cellphones in classrooms. Are these restrictions actually helping students focus, or are they creating new challenges? The results might surprise you! From improved student focus to a stronger sense of community and even a drop in cyberbullying, Chris reveals how the decision to curb phone use has led to some unexpected benefits. Chris also shares the hurdles, pushback, and lessons learned along the way. Stay Connected: Enjoyed today’s episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with others. Have questions or topic suggestions? Let us know through the sharing form.

In this episode of the Elevate Education Podcast, host Jason Firestone welcomes Kelly McLean, the president and founder of the Kelly McLean Achievement Center (KMAC). Based in Ohio, KMAC specializes in guiding students through the complex world of college admissions, from finding the perfect college fit to mastering ACT/SAT prep and securing scholarships. Tune in as Kelly shares insider tips on navigating the college application process and how early planning and involvement can set students up for long-term success. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, you won’t want to miss Kelly’s expert advice on what colleges really look for and how to stand out in a sea of applicants. Don’t miss this chance to elevate the college prep game for yourself or your student! Stay Connected: Enjoyed today’s episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with others. Have questions or topic suggestions? Let us know through the sharing form. KMAC Resources: Please join our private College Made Easy Facebook group where we share relevant information each week. You can schedule a call for a complimentary consultation to discuss your son or daughter's college journey using this link: https://calendly.com/kelly-mac/college-made-easy Check out the KMAC website for more information.  

In this special live episode, hosts Matt Palaoro, Tara Pena, and Jason Firestone kick off Season 2 of the Elevate Education Podcast with a live episode from Jeffco Public Schools’ Leadership Launch. They invite the Jeffco Student Leadership Board to share about the theme of belonging.  Join us as our student leaders share their insights on what gets them excited about returning to school, the importance of relationships with teachers, and how to make learning relevant and engaging. We also explore the challenges students face and their suggestions for improving the student experience in Jeffco. This episode is packed with genuine stories, candid conversations, and invaluable advice for educators and students alike. Tune in to discover how schools can foster a culture of belonging and inspire every student to reach their full potential. Stay Connected: Enjoyed today’s episode? Subscribe, rate, and share with others. Have questions or topic suggestions? Let us know through the sharing form.  

Welcome back to Elevate Education! In our sixth episode, the hosts chat with Tara Peña, the Chief of Family and Community Partnerships at Jeffco Public Schools. Tara shares how schools can integrate family and community partnerships to boost student success. Tune in as we discuss: The importance of family engagement in education. Practical ways schools can strengthen relationships with families. Current and upcoming initiatives that are built to drive family connection and student success. Join us for an inspiring and informative conversation on the vital role of family and community in education. Resources: First Team Contact: Call 303-982-FRST (3772) or email [email protected] Partners in Education Platform: Launching this fall! Stay Connected: Enjoyed today’s episode? Subscribe, rate us, and share with others. Have questions or topic suggestions? Check the podcast description for our sharing form.

In this episode of Elevate Education, we are joined by Jeffco's Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kym LeBlanc Esparza! Join us as we discuss the complexities surrounding chronic absenteeism and explore why school attendance is more important than ever. Dr. Kym  brings three decades of expertise to shed light on the significance of addressing chronic absenteeism and how it impacts student success. She highlights the pivotal role families and educators play in fostering a culture of attendance.  From proactive strategies to the power of warm and welcoming environments, we uncover practical ways to approach school absenteeism to ensure every student thrives. Remember to subscribe, rate, and share our podcast with your community. Thank you for joining us on Elevate the Education Podcast. Do you have questions from today's episode? Or ideas for a future podcast topic? Share with us through this form. 

On this episode of Elevate Education, we discuss special education, while getting to know one of our hosts, Matt Palaoro, a bit more. He shares his journey from a para educator to his current role as the Chief Student Success officer for Jeffco Public Schools, detailing the pivotal moments and passions that have shaped his career. Matt's experience is a testament to the power of the transformative impact of inclusive education. He discusses the importance of fostering environments where every student can thrive academically, socially, physically, and emotionally, highlighting the role of inclusive practices and equity in access. Co-hosts, Tara and Jason converse with Matt the complexities of advocating for students with disabilities, building partnerships between schools and families and the future of special education.  Tune in for inspiring stories, insightful discussions and a glimpse into the compassionate leadership driving positive change in the world of special education. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply passionate about inclusive education, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives that resonate with the heart of education. Do you have questions from today's episode? Or ideas for a future podcast topic? Share with us through this form. 

Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the 25th rememberance of the Columbine tragedy. In this episode, we welcome Mr. Frank DeAngelis, retired principal of Columbine High School, who shares his insights and reflections. From his 40-year dedication to education to his role as a leading advocate for school safety, Mr. DeAngelis offers perspectives on post-tragedy recovery and resilience. Listen as he shares personal stories, lessons learned, and the enduring legacy of hope and community strength that emerged from Columbine. Through his experiences, Mr. DeAngelis reminds us of the importance of compassion, connection, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Tune in for a conversation that honors and acknowledges the past with inspiring hope for the future. Do you have questions from today's episode? Or ideas for a future podcast topic? Share with us through this form.  Learn more about Frank's work by visiting the DeanglisCenter.org. Join the Columbine Day of Service around the globe by visiting ColumbineServes.org. For more information on today's topic go to SafeAndSoundSchools.org.    

Welcome to another episode of Elevate Education! In this episode, our host, Matt Palaoro, welcomes Jeffco Public Schools’ Superintendent Tracy Dorland on the show. Together, they dive into the mindset you need to succeed in leadership: leaning in to listen and learn. As educators and leaders, Tracy emphasizes that curiosity serves as the cornerstone for a fulfilling career. It's the difference between stagnation and growth, frustration, and impact. Tracy's journey from teacher to superintendent showcases the impact of curiosity. Central to Tracy's leadership philosophy is the mantra "lean in to listen and learn." This approach prioritizes service to students, families, and staff over simply relying on expertise. Tracy believes that true leadership involves understanding diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration to make decisions that best serve the community. Tracy's commitment to building a community of leaders is evident in Jeffco Public Schools' strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives. Through inclusive collaboration, the plan aims to provide extraordinary experiences for students, support staff development, ensure operational efficiency, and strengthen community partnerships. Join us as we explore the power of curiosity, leadership, and community in education with Superintendent Tracy Dorland on Elevate Education! Do you have questions from today's episode? Or ideas for a future podcast topic? Share with us through this form.