Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin

How did Carroll ISD leadership take on the education cartel and win?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Carroll ISD School Board President Cam Bryan and Vice President Andrew Yeager to discuss how they challenged the education establishment, fought the education cartel, and helped turn Carroll ISD into a model for academic excellence.Cam and Andrew fought to eliminate DEI initiatives, reduce reliance on classroom technology, increase academic achievement, and break away from the influence of organizations like TASB. The two share how strong local leadership can transform public education and put students first.

Texans are paying more in property taxes, but where is the promised tax relief? In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with Judge Shepard to expose how the Texas school bond process has been hijacked by an education cartel that profits from billions in taxpayer-funded debt. Based on Judge Shepard's groundbreaking research paper this conversation uncovers the network of architects, engineering firms, consultants, lobbyists, and political action committees driving massive school bond elections across Texas.Learn how a handful of firms make small donations to school bond PACs, then receive millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded contracts after bonds pass. The discussion also examines why property tax relief from the Texas Legislature often fails to reach homeowners, how school district debt has ballooned to $236 billion, and what reforms could restore transparency and accountability.In this video:How Texas school bond elections really workThe "education cartel" and its financial incentivesWhy property taxes continue to rise despite legislative tax reliefHow bond PACs influence local electionsThe role of architects, engineering firms, consultants, and taxpayer-funded lobbyistsWhy May bond elections have low voter turnoutProposed reforms to protect Texas taxpayersThe controversy surrounding Barbers Hill ISD's Education FoundationRecommendations to increase transparency and stop conflicts of interestIf you care about Texas property taxes, school finance, government transparency, education reform, taxpayer rights, or local government accountability, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

What happens when Texas families are empowered with educational freedom?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with City School Austin's Head of School Karon Law and board member Travis Reese to discuss how Education Freedom Accounts are creating new opportunities for Texas families and allowing schools to better serve students with diverse learning needs.From supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences to helping low-income families access a high-quality education, City School shares how educational freedom is transforming lives, building student confidence, and expanding opportunities for children across Texas.

What can Texans learn from someone who watched their freedom disappear firsthand?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Iranian citizen Julie Ruehle to discuss her experience living through Iran’s Islamic Revolution and the lessons it holds for America today. Julie shares how the Iranian Revolution transformed life for women, silenced political opposition, and dismantled personal freedoms.

Why are Texas property taxes still rising despite record education spending? Why has Texas school district debt ballooned to hundreds of billions of dollars? And how are taxpayer-funded lobbyists, education foundations, and public-private partnerships impacting local taxpayers?In this eye-opening episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Texas State Representative Terri Leo-Wilson (HD-23) joins Mandy to expose what she calls the "education cartel" and the powerful network of school districts, developers, consultants, lobbyists, and special interests driving debt, property tax increases, and political lawfare across Texas.Rep. Leo-Wilson discusses:✅ Texas school district debt and rising property taxes✅ Education foundations and financial transparency concerns✅ Public-private partnership (P3) agreements✅ Taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas✅ Political targeting and lawfare against elected officials✅ School bond elections and local government spending✅ TEA investigations and accountability efforts✅ Property tax reform and taxpayer protections✅ Government transparency and public accountability✅ The future of education policy in TexasThis conversation dives into the intersection of education policy, taxpayer rights, government transparency, school finance, and political influence in Texas.If you're concerned about property taxes, school spending, government accountability, or education reform, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.

Why are Texas parents of special needs students leaving public schools for specialized private options?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Taryn, a mom to Hadley and a paraprofessional at Oak Creek Academy in Killeen, Texas, along with Hadley herself. Taryn shares their powerful journey from frustrating public school experiences, including the loss of sign language support, ineffective “inclusion” practices, limited therapies, and behavioral challenges, to finding real hope at a private school built specifically for students with special needs. They discuss how Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are a lifeline of freedom for parents by direct funding to the environment where their child can thrive, instead of being stuck based on their zip code. 

What’s really happening with Texas A&M’s ties to the Qatar Foundation, and why should Texans be paying attention? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with TPPF's Kate Bierly to discuss Texas A&M’s Qatar campus and the national security threat it poses for Texas and America. The two dive into the role of soft power, foreign funding, national security concerns, and university transparency and accountability. Mandy and Kate also discuss policy solutions lawmakers can pursue to safeguard Texas institutions.

Why are fewer young Americans getting married and what does this mean for the future of families?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with TPPF's family policy expert, Hannah Bruck, to examine the cultural, economic, and societal forces shaping marriage and family formation in America today.From the rise of online dating culture and social media influence to shifting cultural views on relationships, and financial stability, this conversation explores why so many young people are delaying marriage... or avoiding it altogether. Mandy and Hannah also discuss the critical role strong families play in building healthy communities, raising successful children, and sustaining a thriving society.

On this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, filmed live at Texas Policy Summit 2026, Mandy sits down with Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa to discuss one of the biggest government reform battles in Texas: ending taxpayer-funded lobbying.Sen. Hinojosa explains how taxpayer-funded lobbyists use millions of taxpayer dollars to lobby against reforms like:Property tax reliefSchool choiceProtecting girls’ sportsKeeping boys out of girls’ bathroomsEducation reform and accountabilityTransparency in government spendingThe conversation exposes how organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Texas Municipal League (TML), and Texas Association of Counties (TAC) influence legislation while using public money to oppose the will of Texas taxpayers. Mandy and Sen. Hinojosa also break down the exploding local government debt crisis, skyrocketing school bond spending, and how taxpayers are being forced to fund lobbying efforts against their own interests.Sen. Hinojosa shares why banning taxpayer-funded lobbying is critical to restoring accountability, protecting families, lowering property taxes, and defending Texas values.If you care about government transparency, education reform, property tax relief, and stopping government waste, this is a must-watch conversation.👉 Subscribe for more interviews from Texas Policy Summit 2026 and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.#TexasPolitics #AdamHinojosa #TaxpayerFundedLobbying #PropertyTaxes #SchoolChoice #TexasLegislature #MandyDrogin #TexasPolicySummit #GovernmentReform #EducationReform #ConservativePolicy #TPPF

On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin is joined by James Quintero, Policy Director for the Taxpayer Protection Project, and Jose Melendez, Campaign Director for the Government Reform & Oversight Coalition, to break down how rising property taxes and massive school bond elections are impacting Texas families.The team discusses the growing influence of taxpayer-funded lobbyists, the “education cartel,” and how controversial bond packages — including Dallas ISD’s record-breaking $6.2 billion bond election — could make Texans’ bank accounts even smaller.Learn how Texas school bonds work, why property taxes continue to rise, and what these elections mean for homeowners, parents, and taxpayers across the state.🔹 Topics Covered:Texas property taxesDallas ISD $6.2 billion bond electionSchool bond elections in TexasTaxpayer-funded lobbyingGovernment accountability and oversightEducation spending and taxpayer impactTexas education policyLocal government debt and bonds📌 Subscribe for more conversations on education freedom, parental rights, government accountability, and Texas policy.

In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Jordan Cope, StandWithUs Director of Policy Education and expert on Qatar’s radical Islamist networks, to expose how Qatar is infiltrating Texas through soft power tactics, funding of our higher education and institutions, and direct support of designated terrorist group Hamas.

How do we restore civic education in higher education?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Justin Dyer, Dean of the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore the growing movement to restore classical education and civic understanding in higher education. Dyer shares why many universities have drifted from their original mission and what it will take to course correct.From the rise of classical education in Texas to the urgent need for better teacher training, this conversation examines how colleges can equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain a free society.

On this explosive episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Judge Shepard and Ben Crockett from the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government Reform & Oversight Coalition to expose the powerful role of taxpayer-funded lobbyists in the Texas Legislature.Discover how organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) use taxpayer dollars to influence lawmakers and block meaningful education and government reform in Texas. This eye-opening conversation breaks down the hidden lobbying system operating behind the scenes and what it means for parents and taxpayers.They also dive into two groundbreaking new research reports from TPPF, revealing:How much taxpayer money is being funneled into lobbyists’ pocketsHow school bond debt is being manipulated and used against Texas taxpayersThe growing financial burden on families across the stateIf you care about education reform, government transparency, and protecting taxpayer dollars in Texas, this is a must-watch.

What are students really learning in today’s classrooms?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Ken Pope of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to examine the growing concerns around ideological influence in America’s education system. Drawing from firsthand experience and historical insight, this conversation unpacks how Marxist ideologies are reaching the next generation.From shifting public opinion among young Americans to what’s happening inside colleges of education and K–12 classrooms, this discussion explores how curriculum, teacher training, and technology are impacting what students learn and how they think.

Are standardized tests like the SAT really serving students or are they shaping education?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Jeremy Tate, founder of the Classical Learning Test (CLT), to unpack the growing conversation around college entrance exams, AP courses, and the future of education in America.From the history of the College Board to the influence of classroom curriculum, this discussion explores how assessments impact what students learn—and why more families are exploring alternative pathways.

School safety is a top concern for Texas parents, yet only about half of our school campuses currently have an armed protector on site. On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with returning guest Rob McClelland, Dripping Springs ISD Trustee and Board Member of the Texas State School Safety Center to discuss the safety of our schools.They dive deep into HB3’s requirement for an armed officer on every campus, the massive funding challenges districts face, and the “good cause exemption” options now available. Mandy and Rob also unpack the critical physical security upgrades happening right now and the day-to-day threats facing kids like the exploding vaping and fentanyl crisis infecting our schools.

Texas local government debt has exploded to $552 billion, and taxpayers are paying the price. On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Bell County GOP Vice Chair Jeff Howard and The Better Belton Project Founder Clinton Bailey to break down how massive local bond elections are driving government debt higher across Texas.They discuss how school districts and local governments continue pushing record-breaking bond packages, the role the education establishment and taxpayer-funded lobbying groups play in promoting these measures, and why many Texans are seeing higher property taxes as a result.Mandy, Jeff, and Clinton also examine how voters can better understand bond elections, why transparency and accountability matter in local government spending, and what taxpayers can do to push back against unsustainable debt growth.If you care about Texas property taxes, school district bonds, local government debt, and taxpayer transparency, this episode is a must-watch.

TPPF's Mandy Drogin interviews Levi Fuller, the Texas Education Agency's newly appointed Inspector General of Educator Misconduct, who brings his military and prosecutorial experience to combat sexual offenses and other abuses in schools. Fuller details his background, from serving in the Army and fighting ISIS to prosecuting election integrity and child trafficking cases, emphasizing his drive to protect children as a father himself. He highlights key legislative reforms around reporting misconduct, while sharing statistics on the crisis affecting thousands of students annually. Fuller encourages parents to report incidents via the TEA website, assures swift action on allegations, and vows a zero-tolerance approach. Join the conversation to learn how these changes empower parents and safeguard the future of Texas education.

TPPF's Mandy Drogin sits down with Ken Pope, Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, for an eye-opening discussion on the foundation's mission to educate about the over 100 million victims of communist regimes. They explore the infiltration of Marxist ideologies into American education, the long march through institutions inspired by thinkers like Paulo Freire and Herbert Marcuse, and legislative efforts like Texas' SB 24 to ensure students learn the true history and atrocities of communism.

Radical Islamic groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are wielding soft power to shape public opinion, redirect policy priorities, and weaken core American and Western values. Their ultimate goal: instilling the Caliphate and implementing Sharia Law.TPPF policy experts Kate Bierly and Cameron Abrams explain how hostile foreign nations like Qatar are infiltrating academia and directing funding through nonprofits to push a Muslim-centric ideology.Referenced in this episode:Islamism, Texas, and the Unholy AllianceQatar: Friend or Foe?

 Matt Krause, County Commissioner for Tarrant County and former State Representative, shares his experience fighting for taxpayers both at the county level and in the State Legislator. Commissioner Krause unpacks the interests working against taxpayers, especially the taxpayer-funded lobbying groups that directly advocate against what taxpayers want. 

Rep. Hillary Hickland of Belton shares her experiences with the taxpayer-funded lobbyist complex that's leeching off our education system, pushing ideology on kids, and ensuring that property tax bills just go up and up.

Mandy interviews Robbye Kirkpatrick, businesswoman and co-founder of Texas TransformED, about spending in Texas public schools - why is teacher pay so low, where is the over $100 billion we spend going, and why are results getting worse, not better, even as we add more money into the system?

Texas is spending hundreds of billions on school buildings and football stadiums, but when those break, someone still has to deal with the aftermath. In this second episode with Marc Gravely, Marc breaks down the legal background of construction defects in schools - what can break, who's to blame, and, of course, how much it costs taxpayers.

Our kids are failing to launch after they graduate high school. It's time we fix that by fully preparing them for college, career, or the military before they graduate rather than hoping they figure it out after graduation. Ashley B. Cash, co-founder of Texas TransformED, joins Mandy Drogin to chat about all things education, and especially how we can better prepare our children for adult life.

Foreign nations have poured billions into Texas colleges and universities. They have not done so out of the kindness of their hearts, but rather, because they're using their gifts and grants to gain access to intellectual property, research, and inventions. TPPF's Higher Education Policy Analyst, Kate Bierly, joins Mandy to break down the foreign influences in Texas higher education.

Taxpayers on on the hook for millions upon millions of dollars in damages and other issues thanks to nebulously worded contracts, poorly regulated risk pools, and other sorts of legal drama. Marc Gravely, a legal expert and construction defect lawyer, breaks down how our public schools are being tricked or even extorted by outside groups.

Dr. Don Frazier, the Director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville, shares the rich history of Texas and discusses what we can do to make history more informative and engaging in our Texas public schools.

Join Representative Steve Toth from House District 15 (The Woodlands, Texas) as he shares his legislative priorities in education reform. In this interview, Rep. Toth discusses his work on parent empowerment in schools, educational policy changes, dyslexia support programs, and advocacy for students across Texas.

Just a few years ago, Houston ISD - HISD - was the worst performing public school district in Texas, as well as one of the largest. After a new Board of Managers was appointed, HISD has completely turned around, and now, no HISD schools are failing. Join Mandy as she interviews Cassandry Bandy, a courageous Houston mom of two who stepped up to the plate on the Board of Managers and helped bring academic achievement back to the families of Houston.

Senator Mayes Middleton of Galveston breaks down how local governments are running massive deficits, taking on huge amounts of debt, and not just wasting taxpayer money, but weaponizing it against their own citizens.

Join Mandy Drogin on Parent Empowerment as she sits down with Christie Slape, Texas Ambassador for Moms for Liberty, to discuss the battle for parental rights and quality education in Texas public schools. From exposing inappropriate library books and advocating for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to challenging woke indoctrination and fighting against taxpayer funded lobbying, Christie shares her journey as a mom of four and accidental activist. Learn about Moms for Liberty’s mission, the impact of recent education legislation, and how parents can take action to protect their children’s education.

The Left has been waging a decades-long war to take over our school boards and grant their authority to unelected administrators. Luckily, courageous school board members like our guest, Brandon Hodges from Midland ISD, are looking for alternatives to the associations that are robbing school boards of their power - and they're finding them in organizations like Texans for Excellence in Education, from which both John Petree and Kara Belew join us today. 

Mandy sits down with Erin Fonner, a mother of three and Development Director at Valor Education, to chat about Valor’s classical curriculum. Erin shares insights on the school’s rigorous approach to education and its commitment to parent partnership.

Join Mandy Drogin on Parent Empowerment as she sits down with Mary Lynn Pruneda, Senior Policy Advisor at Texas 2036 and mother of three, to dive into the truth about grade inflation, the importance of the STAAR exam, and the A-F accountability system. 

Mandy brings on TPPF's K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to chat about the Teachers' Bill of Rights in House Bill 2. 

Our teachers are being bombarded by the leftist agendas long before they enter the classroom. TPPF's Kate Bierly breaks down how her professors and courses pushed DEI, Social Emotional Learning, and other progressive agendas. 

Mandy chats with Ari Weisenfeld from Agudath Israel of America and Rabbi Yerachmiel Garfield of the Yeshiva Torat Emet Jewish Day School to discuss the support in the Jewish community of Texas for school choice. 

Mandy chats with Cassandra Posey, homeschool mom and former public school teacher, about her experiences in the classroom and what parent empowerment means for all Texans. 

Jen, a Texas Public School Teacher, shares insight on the crisis in our public schools. 

Representative Jeff Leach, HD 67, is a father of three kids who go to Texas public schools, and he knows how important it is to get education right. Representative Leach breaks down his support for ESAs and what other things he's working on for public education. 

Greta, a north Texas mom, shares the heartbreaking story of how the public school system failed her son and how a scholarship has saved her Miracle. 

Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, shares his support for empowering parents! 

Representative Nate Schatzline, a fearless fighter for parents, joins Mandy to break down school choice and the newly filed House Bill 3. 

TPPF's James Quintero makes his second appearance on the podcast to break down the staggering half a trillion dollars in debt owed by local Texas governments--with more debt on the way! 

Tracy Hanson runs the Oak Creek Academy in Killeen, which specifically works with students with special needs. She shares her experiences and details how Oak Creek Academy is serving kids with special needs for a fraction of what Texas public schools spend per student. 

Doree Collins runs Cultivate Academy-CTX in Temple, TX, where serves the underserved youth in her community. Join us as she and her students share their incredible stories! 

The Parent Empowerment movement continues to grow! One incredible father fighting alongside us to pass Education Savings Accounts is none other than John Papola of Dad Saves America. Parents from across our country are hooked on the Dad Saves America podcast because John is “on a mission to celebrate, empower, and entertain Dads, could-be Dads, and father-figures of all stripes.”

Today, Mandy is joined by her colleague, James Quintero, the policy director for TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project, local government expert, and father of five, to discuss how the public education system breaks Texas' election laws to advocate against parents and propose solutions to solve this pervasive problem. 

Mandy is joined by TPPF's Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Michael Adams of Texas Southern University, to break down statewide polling on school choice and discuss the opportunities it provides to all Texans, no matter their background, economic situation, or zip code.