Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

In this episode of Education Matters, Danville attorney and mom Corinne Youngs shares her journey to launch St. Gianna Classical Academy—a Christ-centered classical hybrid school in Hendricks County. Corinne explores the motivations behind the project, rising interest in faith-based and classical models, and the real work it takes to start a new school. Episode Highlights Why Start a New School? C...

In this episode of Education Matters, Greg Harrell breaks down Indiana’s latest iLearn results, explaining the transition to a new system of ongoing checkpoints and how this change marks 2026 as a new baseline for measuring student achievement. The discussion covers shifts in assessment, the impact on students and schools, private school performance, and how parents and teachers can use more frequ...

In this episode of Education Matters, Chris Brunson, Associate Executive Director of the Indiana Non- Public Education Association (INPEA), joins us to dig into the behind-the-scenes work supporting Indiana’s private schools—from advocacy and compliance to school choice expansion. With a wealth of experience in both school operations and policy, Chris Brunson shares insights on navigating challeng...

In this special episode of Education Matters, we highlight the inspiring stories from our recent podcast guests and their contribution to our Find Your Fit campaign. The conversation highlights the power of school choice, encouraging families to explore multiple options, visit schools, and engaging with staff and teacher to find the right environment for their child. Did you find this episode info...

In this episode of Education Matters, Indianapolis mom and educator Lisa Dailey shares how school choice transformed her daughter Maeve’s educational experience. Frustrated by a lack of support for Maeve—who has autism and ADHD—in public school, Lisa used Indiana’s school choice program to find a private school where Maeve could thrive both academically and socially. Lisa’s story is a testament to...

In this episode, Ethan Hunt, founder and CEO of the International Soccer Academy of America (ISAA), shares his journey building the nation’s first government-accredited high school created exclusively for elite soccer players. From humble beginnings as a graduate thesis to an innovative, world-recognized academy, Ethan Hunt discusses leadership, overcoming barriers, and how faith and perseverance...

In this episode, Matthew Krulik, principal of Holy Angels Catholic School, joins us to share the remarkable legacy of this near west side Indianapolis institution, its deep roots in the community, and the faith-driven, family-oriented culture that empowers students—known as “scholars”—to excel academically and personally. Highlights A Century of Community Impact Holy Angels Catholic School has ser...

In this episode, Katie Rodriguez—mentor, coach, and community leader at the Boys and Girls Club—shares her journey and the transformative impact of workforce development and youth empowerment programs on young people in Indiana. Highlights: Katie Rodriguez’s multifaceted role: from coach and mom to trusted mentor known as “Miss Katie” Building trust and authentic connections with youth to foster g...

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Harrell to break down Indiana’s sweeping new graduation requirements and the growing importance of work-based learning for high school students. Highlights: Indiana’s graduation overhaul: Why the class of 2029 will experience a completely reimagined high school journey The motivation behind change—connecting school to real-world outcomes, addressing chronic a...

In this inspiring episode, Duane Wilson, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor, joins us to discuss the evolution and impact of community leadership in supporting youth and families across Indiana. Highlights: Duane Wilson's personal and professional journey to leading the Boys and Girls Club Innovative approaches during the pandemic—creation and evolution of e-...

In this episode, Sarah and Cesar Roman sit down with Janet Gunn, a dynamic community leader and MSO ambassador from Greensburg, Indiana, to spotlight the real-world impacts of universal school choice. Together, they explore how policies enabling educational options are transforming families’ lives, with a special focus on the success of Good Shepherd Christian Academy. The conversation dives into...

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Cesar Roman to unpack the sweeping changes coming to Indiana schools with new laws banning cell phones and tightening protections around social media use for kids. They walk through what these state mandates mean for classrooms, teachers, parents, and students—both at school and at home. The conversation explores the reasons behind Indiana's new “bell to bell” c...

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kenny Roll, a lifelong champion of Indiana’s school choice movement and principal of his own alma mater, Tabernacle Christian School. Together, they explore Kenny’s full-circle journey—from student to school leader—his advocacy at the Statehouse, and his role in implementing Indiana’s voucher program from its earliest days. The conversation highlights the chal...

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Shidler, Director of Enrollment for Lafayette Catholic Schools. Together, we dive into the real experiences and concerns families face when choosing a school for their children. Heather shares insights from her 25+ years working with students and parents, highlighting what drives families to seek a new school—whether they’re running toward a close-knit com...

In this episode of Education Matters, Sarah and Cesar sit down with Greg Harrell from the Institute for Quality Education to break down the key themes from Indiana’s 2026 legislative session. They discuss: Major wins on literacy and math policy to boost student achievement, including new requirements for parent notifications and math instruction frameworks. Updates to school choice, including movi...

This special bonus episode of Education Matters is all about the exciting launch and impact of the new Find Your Fit campaign, a collaborative effort between My School Options and partner schools throughout Indiana. The first school they are partnering with is St. Joseph Catholic School. In this special bonus episode, we are joined by principal Kevin Rice, who shares his enthusiasm for their upcom...

In this heartwarming episode, we talk with Kevin Rice, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Corydon, Indiana. With deep roots in both the school and local community, Kevin shares how tradition, faith, and commitment to excellence drive everything at St. Joseph. From his unique journey from master plumber to recognized educational leader, to his passion for supporting families and building a...

In this powerful episode of Education Matters, Katie Kirley, Executive Director of Steel City Academy in Gary, Indiana, sits down with us to share her decade-long journey of turning a commitment into a calling. From starting as a Teach for America corps member to co-founding Gary’s only A-rated school in over 15 years, Katie offers a front-row look at how listening deeply to a community and relent...

In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, NaShawn Edwards, the founder of Sunrise Learning Academy joins us to to discuss what it truly means to serve students who don’t fit the traditional educational mold. NaShawn shares her personal journey navigating undiagnosed ADHD, advocating for six children, and fostering youth who’ve experienced trauma. Her experiences shaped her vision for a schoo...

In this episode of Education Matters, Cesar and Sarah sit down with Greg Harrell, Executive Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the Institute for Quality Education (IQE), for an in-depth preview of the 2026 Indiana legislative session and a discussion on why education policy—and advocacy—matter as much as ever. Episode Highlights Greg Harrell’s Journey in Education and Advocacy: Greg shar...

In this inspiring episode of Education Matters, hosts Sarah and Cesar sit down with Dr. Brian Disney, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education, Dr. Disney reflects on his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, sharing powerful insights on teaching, faith, innovation, and community. Together, they explore how Catholi...

In this engaging episode, Sarah and Cesar welcome James McNeany, a lifelong educator and the new Executive Director of the Indiana Non Public Education Association (INPEA). James shares his journey from math teacher and coach to principal and, now, state-level leader for non public schools. The discussion dives deep into topics like school choice, parent empowerment, and how non public schools con...

In this special bonus episode, Cesar and Sarah dives deep into the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, exploring its evolution, impact, and what the future holds for private school participation in Indiana. This episode breaks down the latest 2025 Choice Report from the Indiana Department of Education, providing insights into how school choice is shaping educational opportunities and equity across...

On this episode, Cesar and Sarah sit down with Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. Daniel isn’t just the man who oversees $16 billion of Hoosier funds—he’s also a passionate advocate for school choice, a dad of four, a former software engineer, and a true Hoosier at heart. Daniel shares his personal journey from growing up in rural Jennings County to public service, his family’s diverse educat...

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Greg Harrell, the newest addition to the IQE/MSO team, for his podcast debut. Greg shares his background in public service, education, and government, and provides an in-depth look at the recently released 2025 IREAD scores—Indiana’s critical assessment for third-grade literacy. Together, they discuss the state’s post-pandemic progress, key education policy prioriti...