The Local Exchange

Episode 17: Stephanie Ernest- Bath School Board

Episode 17: Stephanie Ernest | Bath School Board In this episode of Local Exchange, we sit down with Stephanie Ernst, a member of the Bath Local School District Board of Education, to talk about the proposed Bath High School project that is expected to be on the ballot in May. We discuss how the project came together, the planning process so far, and the role the school board plays in long-term facilities and financial decisions. Stephanie shares insight into what the board is hearing from the community, common questions residents have raised, and the importance of transparency throughout the process. She also encourages residents to attend board meetings, share their thoughts, and ultimately come out and vote so the board can clearly understand how the community feels about a potential new high school. This conversation is intended to help listeners better understand the project, the process behind it, and the decisions facing the district as Bath Local Schools looks toward the future.

Episode 16: Chief Miller’s Hearing Results

Episode 16: Chief Miller’s Hearing Results In this episode, Matt and I react to the outcome of Chief Austin Miller’s termination hearing, where all charges against him were dismissed with prejudice. We share our immediate thoughts on what the decision means for the fire department, the township, and the community, and discuss the broader implications moving forward.

Episode 15: Chief Miller Lawsuit Reaction

We share our thoughts on the federal lawsuit filed by Shawnee Township Fire Chief Austin Miller and discuss what it could mean for the township, the fire department, and the community. The conversation focuses on potential implications, the legal process, and why this situation matters moving forward.

Episode 14: Chris Cross

Episode 14: Chris Cross - Treasurer of Shawnee Schools In this episode, we sit down with Chris Cross, Treasurer of Shawnee Schools, to discuss the financial landscape of the district. We cover the history behind Shawnee’s past deficit spending, the plan now in place to stabilize the budget, and what the community should understand about how school funding works. Chris walks us through the challenges of maintaining aging buildings, the findings of past facility studies, and what decisions may shape the future of Shawnee’s school buildings. We also talk about property taxes, state funding formulas, transportation costs, and long-term financial planning.

Episode 13: Todd Washam

Episode 13: Todd Washam : Shawnee School Board VP In this episode we talk with Todd Washam, Vice President of the Shawnee School Board, about the key issues facing Shawnee Schools. We discuss efforts to improve academics, classroom sizes, staffing challenges, aging facilities, and how the board approaches long-term planning for the district’s future.