Part 2 with Amber Bonner: Advocacy, Education & Community 🎙️✨

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we bridge the gap between policy and the people it affects! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" and "Angelee Aedo", this episode continues our deep dive into the world of education leadership and advocacy.

In this installment, our hosts are joined once again by Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to untangle the "hierarchy of decision-making" in Utah's schools. If you’ve ever wondered who actually has the power to change things in your child's classroom, this conversation is for you. 🍎👪

Amber explains the critical relationship between the state legislature—which passes the laws—and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), which has jurisdiction over every school receiving public dollars, including district and charter schools. With 15 elected members serving the entire state, understanding how this board operates is key to effective advocacy.

This episode covers:

• The difference between state law and board rules. ⚖️
• How to navigate the USBE hierarchy and identify which of the 15 board members represents you.
• Why the state board is unique as the "school board" for the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind.
• Insights into the upcoming election cycles and how leadership shifts impact our schools. 🗳️

Amber also shares a powerful reminder for every listener: you don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Whether you are speaking to a local principal or a state official, you are the ultimate expert on your own experience and your child’s needs. 🌟

We wrap up the show with our usual fun—discussing the behind-the-scenes magic provided by our director of communications, Mike Williams, and ending with our signature celebratory dance! 💃✨

Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to be a better advocate for Utah’s students! 🎧🏔️