A podcast from NCSI, the 21st Century School Fund, and the National Council on School Facilities
Many public school districts are stretched thin, with enrollments declining, costs increasing, and decision-makers operating within a hyper-polarized political environment. On Stretched, co-hosts David Sturtz (Sturtz & Company) and Mary Filardo (21st Century School Fund) talk with K-12 leaders, advisors, and researchers about how districts are leading their communities through this moment and toward better outcomes for kids. From facility planning and funding to school safety and community engagement, each episode digs into the real-world challenges — and practical strategies — that shape the places where students learn.
Stretched is produced in partnership with Sturtz & Company.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
In this conversation, David Sturtz, Mary Filardo, and Guy Bliesner discuss the multifaceted aspects of school security, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that integrates safety assessments, community engagement, and effective communication.
Stretched explores the issues that school district leaders face as they work to provide safe, modern learning environments with limited resources. Topics include:
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
In this conversation, Dr. Brandon Payne shares his journey from a summer maintenance worker to the Executive Director of the National Council on School Facilities.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
In this episode of the Stretched podcast, 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.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
In this conversation, David Sturtz, Mary Filardo, and Mathew Palmer discuss the critical role of school planning within the broader context of community development.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company, Woolpert
In this episode of the Stretched podcast, Matthew Palmer, Senior Research Scholar, School Planning & Transportation at North Carolina State University discusses his journey into school facility planning, emphasizing the importance of a planning mindset that connects knowledge to action.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company, Woolpert
This episode of the Stretched podcast 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.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
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.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company, Woolpert
In this episode of the Stretched podcast, 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.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company, Woolpert
This episode of the Stretched podcast 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.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company, Woolpert
In this episode of the Stretched podcast, David Sturtz, Mary Filardo, and Kelly Horn discuss the challenges and strategies faced by Arlington ISD in managing K-12 facilities and operations.
Case Study/Exemplar
21st Century School Fund (21CSF), National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), National Council on School Facilities (NCSF), Sturtz & Company
In this inaugural episode of the Stretched podcast, David Sturtz and Mary Filardo discuss the pressing challenges facing K-12 school facilities, emphasizing the need for effective planning and resource allocation.