As students return to the classroom, public education leaders discuss challenges facing districts

Public Education Challenges It's the start of school for many districts in the state, but many public schools are facing unprecedented challenges as they work to educate today's young minds. There is greater support on a statewide level for school choice than ever. Ohio projects it will pay private schools $1.26 billion in the 2026-2027 school year in taxpayer-funded vouchers. Public school advocates claim the state underfunds public schools and a coalition of Ohio public schools is suing over the constitutionality of EdChoice vouchers. On a federal level, President Donald Trump established a national school voucher program last year that could soon provide taxpayer dollars for parents to spend on private school tuition. Public districts are also facing lower enrollment rates, staff shortages, and new technology changes, with the growing popularity of artificial intelligence. The National Association of Education president-elect is visiting Ohio as part of a back-to-school tour. On Thursday's "Sound of Ideas," hosted by Stephanie Haney, we'll hear her thoughts about some of these challenges and what she sees as the path forward for public educators. We'll also hear from the Ohio Education Association president. Guests: -Princess Moss, President-Elect, National Education Association -Jeff Wensing, President, Ohio Education Association "Shuffle" Music Podcast The Zerbo Brothers share their West African roots through music. On this week's Shuffle, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with the trio about their homeland and how they found their voice in Northeast Ohio. Guests: - Amanda Rabinowitz, Host and Producer, "Shuffle" and "All Things Considered" - Emmanuel Zerbo, Zerbo Brothers - Joseph Zerbo, Zerbo Brothers - Darren Hamm, Zerbo Brothers