𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Margaret Buckton, a leading voice in school finance, legislation, and advocacy in Iowa. Margaret brings decades of experience translating complex policy into practical guidance for school boards, superintendents, and community leaders—particularly in rural settings.
The conversation explores how recent policy shifts, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), funding formulas, and legislative mandates, are directly impacting district stability, staffing, and student opportunities. Margaret offers a behind-the-scenes look at how school finance actually works, why timing matters so much in budgeting and staffing, and how misconceptions around funding and teacher shortages can distort public understanding.
Together, they discuss strategies for protecting instructional quality, supporting educators, sustaining critical programs like CTE and the arts, and building effective advocacy through both data and storytelling. Margaret also highlights innovative approaches to teacher recruitment, including apprenticeship models, and reflects on the unique strengths—what she calls the “rural advantage”—that rural schools bring to students and communities.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:59 Meet Margaret Buck: A Trusted Guide in Education Policy
01:35 The Impact of New Policies on Rural Schools
04:52 Board Training and Effective Leadership
07:04 Challenges in School Finance and Advocacy
17:49 Teacher Shortages and Policy Impacts
21:41 Navigating New Laws and Compliance
27:56 Navigating Policy Changes in Education
28:42 Budgeting Strategies for Small School Systems
29:15 Forecasting and Economic Planning in Schools
31:32 Staffing and Enrollment Challenges
33:20 Innovative Educational Programs and Partnerships
38:39 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Programs
46:11 Urban and Rural School Challenges and Solutions
50:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights the real-world consequences of education policy decisions and the critical role that school leaders, boards, and advocates play in navigating change. Margaret Buckton’s insights remind us that funding formulas are more than numbers—they shape staffing, student opportunities, and community trust.
As districts face enrollment shifts, staffing shortages, and increasing mandates, thoughtful planning, honest communication, and strong partnerships are essential. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that rural schools are not defined by what they lack, but by the care, commitment, and connection they offer students every day.Connect with Margaret:Margaret Buckton Bio: www.iowaschoolfinance.com/Margaret

Margaret Buckton LinkedIn: /margaret-buckton-60b5b218/
ISFIS Website: www.iowaschoolfinance.com

Twitter/X: @ISFISInc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/isfisinc

LinkedIn: /iowa-school-finance-information-services

RSAI Website: https://www.rsaia.org

RSAI LinkedIn: /rsaia

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this powerful and deeply practical episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Jack Moles, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) and one of the most respected rural education leaders in the Midwest.
Jack’s career spans the full arc of rural education—from classroom teacher and coach to principal, superintendent, and now statewide advocate. He led one of Nebraska’s most successful school consolidations and now works daily with rural superintendents navigating funding pressures, staffing shortages, legislative battles, and community trust.
Together, Jack and Dr. Sadorf explore what it truly takes to keep rural schools strong:
how to lead during consolidation, how to advocate at the Capitol, how to protect local control, and how to recruit and retain the next generation of educators—while never losing sight of the heart of rural communities.
This episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons, policy insight, and hope for the future of rural education.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop
02:18 Meet Jack Moles: From Teacher to Executive Director
02:48 Jack's Journey Through Various Roles
05:13 Challenges and Decisions in Leadership
07:41 The Big Merger: Johnson County Central
14:33 Mentorship and Support for Superintendents
16:40 Navigating Nebraska's Legislative Landscape
20:49 Effective Testimony and Advocacy
25:37 Consolidation: Making It Work
27:41 Veteran Board Members and New Beginnings
28:39 Community Identity and School Consolidation
32:44 Addressing the Rural Teacher Shortage
39:01 Building Trust in Rural Communities
40:44 Navigating Controversies and Communication
44:25 Funding Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Schools
47:46 Future Initiatives and Mentorship
53:24 The Rural Advantage
55:25 Conclusion and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode is a masterclass in rural leadership, advocacy, and heart.
Jack Moles reminds us that strong rural schools don’t happen by accident—they happen because of trust, communication, courageous leadership, and relentless advocacy for kids. From navigating consolidation with compassion to fighting for fair funding and building educator pipelines, Jack’s work shows what it means to lead with both head and heart.
As Dr. Melissa Sadorf emphasizes, the future of rural education depends on leaders who stay rooted in their communities while pushing boldly for opportunity. And this conversation proves that even in the face of financial pressure, enrollment decline, and policy battles, rural schools can—and do—thrive.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Erika Wright, an education justice organizer based in Noble, Oklahoma. Erika shares her journey from classroom training to school board service, grassroots organizing, and statewide advocacy through the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition and the Advanced Oklahoma Kids Coalition.
Together, they explore how meaningful change happens at kitchen tables, school board meetings, and capitol buildings—especially in rural communities. Erika discusses coalition-building across rural and urban lines, the power of citizen advocacy, and what happens when policy rhetoric outpaces facts. The conversation also dives into high-profile religion-in-schools cases, the impact of Oklahoma’s tax credit (voucher-style) system on rural districts, and the importance of keeping students and communities at the center of policy decisions.
This episode offers practical insights for educators, school leaders, and advocates who want to move from frustration to action and help remove barriers so more students can thrive.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Erica Wright and Her Work
02:05 Erica's Journey into Education Advocacy
04:52 The Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition
06:01 Advanced Oklahoma Kids Coalition
07:25 Lessons from Rural Policy and Community Organizing
10:14 Oklahoma Appleseed's Mission and Pillars
11:56 Current and Future Policy Initiatives
14:52 Litigation and Religious Charter Schools
15:58 Community Engagement and Support
19:13 Personal Reflections and Community Reactions
26:07 Maintaining Coalition Unity Amidst National Attention
29:41 Balancing Editorial and Advocacy
30:47 Impact of Tax Credits on Rural Schools
34:47 Accountability and Transparency in Education Funding
38:32 Challenges and Frustrations in Oklahoma's Education System
40:03 Youth and Community Voices in Policy Change
43:59 Building and Maintaining Coalitions
48:01 Future Projects and Positive Change
53:04 The Rural Advantage and Final Thoughts
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation with Erika Wright highlights what’s possible when advocacy is rooted in listening, trust, and local leadership. From rural school boards to statewide coalitions, Erika reminds us that sustainable change doesn’t require thousands of voices—just a committed few in every community who are willing to learn, speak up, and stay engaged.
As Oklahoma navigates complex challenges around funding, policy, and public education, this episode underscores a powerful truth: when families, educators, and community members work together, organizing can become real, lasting change—for students and for the future of rural schools.