Welcome to Season Four of the Let Me Add to That podcast — and for the first time ever, we’re on camera! This episode looks a little different because you can now watch the conversation on YouTube, or continue listening wherever you stream your podcasts.

In this episode, we dive inside the world of charter schools and the important role they play in expanding educational opportunities across Los Angeles County. We’re joined by two of LACOE’s charter school experts: Indra Ciccarelli, Director II of LACOE’s Charter School Office, and Darryl Brown, Coordinator III in the Charter School Office.

Together, we break down what charter schools are, how they differ from traditional public schools and how LACOE supports them through oversight, accountability and equity-focused practices. The conversation explores what makes a strong charter school and the role county offices of education play behind the scenes. We also discuss common questions around parent involvement, how charter schools and traditional districts can learn from one another and what the future may hold for collaboration across public education systems.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

The holiday season can be joyful for some, but overwhelming, stressful or isolating for others. In this episode, we explore what this time of year really feels like for students, educators and families, and how schools can help create supportive, inclusive environments during this holiday season.

We’re joined by two experts: Kanchi Tate, Mental Health Program Manager with the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, and Kim Griffin Esperon, Project Director III with LACOE’s Mental Health and School Counseling Unit. Together, they share practical insights, warning signs to look for and simple ways we can foster connection and care across our school communities.

Whether you’re navigating seasonal stress yourself or supporting others through it, this conversation offers grounding, compassion and hope as we move through the holiday season together.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

More than 61,000 K–12 students in Los Angeles County experience housing instability each year. Behind every number is a young person trying to learn, grow and thrive while facing incredible challenges.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kottke, Project Director of LACOE’s Homeless Education Programs, and Dr. Denise McCain, President and Founder of Our Community Los Angeles, to discuss how schools, districts and communities can work together to support students experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Kottke shares how LACOE’s initiatives—like the Stuff the Bus drives and Homeless Education Symposiums—help ensure resources reach students in need. Dr. McCain introduces the WIN app, a digital platform connecting youth and families with shelters, food, health care and other critical services across the region. Together, they explore barriers to education, the power of collaboration and practical steps educators and liaisons can take to make a difference.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

October is Head Start Awareness Month: a time to celebrate one of the nation’s most impactful programs for children and families. In this episode, we’re joined by Luis Bautista, Executive Director of LACOE’s Head Start program; Dr. Ruth Pérez, LACOE Deputy Superintendent and proud Head Start alum; and Dr. Maribel Garcia, Superintendent of El Monte City School District and also a Head Start alum.

Together, they reflect on how Head Start goes far beyond the classroom—providing health services, social-emotional and mental health support, family resources and strong community connections. They discuss the current political climate and what it means for the program, as well as the long-term impact of Head Start in setting children up for success. Dr. Pérez and Dr. Garcia share their own journeys from Head Start students to becoming two of our County’s top education leaders, proving the program’s power to transform lives and strengthen communities.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a reminder that every day in school matters, and that improving attendance takes a community effort. In this episode, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer dive into the current landscape of school attendance and the rising challenge of chronic absenteeism.

Together, they unpack the barriers that keep students from class, from health concerns to systemic inequities, and highlight strategies and data that point toward solutions. Their conversation enforces a powerful message: attendance is a community issue. Teachers, parents, health providers and even local business owners all play a vital role in creating the conditions for student success.

Listen to hear actionable ideas on how each of us can help, and what it looks like when schools, families and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, we’re joined by Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez for a powerful conversation about what lies ahead for students, educators and our school communities.

In this episode, our County leaders reflect on the excitement a new school year brings and share their top priorities for the year. This includes improving student attendance and supporting mental health and wellbeing for both students and staff. They discuss how LACOE is helping districts embrace innovation, including the safe and thoughtful integration of AI in the classroom, and how teacher wellbeing remains at the center of their efforts. You’ll also hear about the importance of listening and uplifting student voice as well as building trusted partnerships with families and educators.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Join us as we explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a powerful framework that helps educators design learning environments where all students can thrive. Anya Bergman and Audra Mesa, senior program specialists from LACOE’s Curriculum and Instruction Services Division, break down the core principles of UDL and explain why the barrier is in the design, not the learner.

From real-life examples like curb cuts to classroom strategies that support flexibility and access, this episode offers practical insights for teachers and leaders alike. You’ll hear why UDL isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently, how AI tools can help identify learning barriers and what schools and districts can do to embed UDL into systems and planning.

Whether you’re new to UDL or ready to take your practice further, this episode is packed with ideas to help you design for the margins—and benefit every learner in the process.

For UDL resources visit: bit.ly/udlpodres

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we’re putting students at the center of the conversation. Ariena Thurairajah from Palos Verdes Peninsula USD and Daniel Perez from Paramount USD—both members of our L.A. County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council—join L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo for a powerful discussion on what it’s really like to be a student today.

From navigating academic pressure and mental health to the growing impact of AI in the classroom, Ariena and Daniel share their honest perspectives on the challenges they face—and what meaningful support looks like. Despite recognizing the privileges within their districts, both students emphasize that equity is critical and their message is simple: every student, no matter their background, deserves access to opportunities and resources.

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About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.