
Written by Defending Ideas
April 15, 2025

Available On: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube Music

It’s common to see news reports about education policy debates at the federal level and in state legislatures. But what if one of the most important policy levers for education reform is much closer to home — yet gets ignored far too often?
On this episode, Sutherland’s Nic Dunn and Christine Cooke Fairbanks talk with David Hoyt, executive director of School Boards for Academic Excellence. David argues that state and local school boards are actually one of the most important entities in our system for improving education. They discuss how school board members can positively impact a range of education policies, such as elevating the parent-teacher partnership by improving parental access to curriculum.
Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.