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.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Regina Washington-Arthur—a nationally respected public health leader and current head of the Rural Library Network—for a powerful conversation about service, equity, and rural innovation.
Dr. Washington traces her journey from the hills of West Virginia to becoming the first African American to earn a Doctor of Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Along the way, she shares how faith, family, education, and service shaped her leadership, and how partnerships across public health, education, and community institutions can transform outcomes for rural students and families.
The conversation explores how libraries serve as trusted community anchors, how public health and education are deeply interconnected, and why rural communities have a unique advantage when it comes to collaboration, belonging, and impact. Dr. Washington also highlights the work of the Rural Library Network and Partners for Rural Impact, offering a forward-looking vision for strengthening cradle-to-career systems nationwide.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Regina Washington
01:53 Foundations of Leadership: Faith, Family, and Service
08:55 Berea College: Expanding Purpose and Possibility
17:41 Breaking Barriers at the University of Kentucky
28:51 Building Healthy Communities at Scale
39:06 Recruiting Student Pharmacists for Classroom Support
39:30 Farm to School Initiatives in Kentucky
40:33 The Role of Libraries in Community Health and Learning
44:35 Building Durable School-Library Partnerships
48:39 Introducing the Rural Library Network
56:02 Annual eSummit and Upcoming Events
01:02:13 Strategic Planning for Rural Impact
01:07:24 The Rural Advantage: Personal Connections and Community Support
01:15:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode of The Rural Scoop underscores a powerful truth: when communities align around shared purpose, rural places can lead transformative change. Dr. Regina Washington reminds us that libraries are more than buildings—they are trusted hubs of learning, health, and connection. Through intentional partnerships, data-informed strategies, and a deep respect for place, rural communities can build systems that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
From public health to education to libraries, this conversation offers a compelling roadmap for leaders committed to equity, collaboration, and the enduring strength of rural America.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Melissa Sadorf sits down with Casey Thomas Jacubowski, a lifelong rural educator whose career spans the classroom, district leadership, state policy, higher education, and advocacy. Drawing from his experiences in rural New York and beyond, Casey unpacks how urban-normative policies often fail rural schools—and what leaders can do instead.
The conversation explores the realities of school consolidation, teacher recruitment and retention, and the unseen labor that sustains rural education systems. Casey shares practical, low-cost leadership moves that strengthen school culture, build trust, and support teachers as whole professionals. He also makes a compelling case for place-based learning, relevant civics instruction, and reframing rural education through an “advantage” lens rather than deficit thinking.
This episode is a thoughtful blend of research, storytelling, and actionable insight for rural leaders who want to protect what makes their communities strong while preparing students for the future.
𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop
00:46 Meet Casey Jacobowsky: From Classroom to Policy Table
02:56 Casey's Journey in Rural Education
06:26 Challenges and Realities of Rural Schools
09:41 Urban Norms vs. Rural Realities
13:35 Consolidation in Rural Schools
20:23 Teacher Retention Strategies
28:05 Balancing Managerial and Instructional Leadership
29:57 Advocating for Teachers and Students
32:34 Addressing Poverty and Inequality in Schools
35:33 Teaching Civics in Rural Schools
38:25 Empowering Student Leadership and Community Involvement
48:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Education
54:26 The Rural Advantage
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Rural schools are not broken—they are deeply resilient, innovative, and rooted in community. In this episode, Casey Jacubowski reminds us that the true strength of rural education lies in relationships, relevance, and place-based opportunity. When leaders focus on what they can control, honor the work of educators, and advocate using real stories, rural schools don’t just survive—they thrive.
If this conversation sparked an idea or challenged your thinking, consider sharing it with a colleague or exploring one of Casey’s books. Your stories and experiences continue to strengthen the shared work of rural leadership.
Remember: In rural leadership, our strength is in our shared story. When we lead together, we thrive together.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Arnold Hillman, a lifelong rural education leader, advocate, and coalition builder whose career spans more than six decades. From his early days as a classroom teacher to his work as a superintendent, intermediate unit executive, and founder of statewide advocacy organizations, Dr. Hillman reflects on what it truly means to serve rural communities.
Dr. Hillman shares deeply personal stories that reveal his “north star” of service, discusses the often-overlooked realities of rural education finance and special education, and offers candid insights into advocacy, legislative testimony, and coalition-building. The conversation also explores his groundbreaking work in distance learning, scholarship pipelines for first-generation students, superintendent searches, and state-level rural education advocacy in both Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Hillman reminds listeners that rural education is fundamentally about place, people, and relationships—and that policy must fit the community it is meant to serve. The discussion concludes with a powerful reflection on the “rural advantage” and why rural communities continue to shape strong leaders, deep connections, and shared responsibility.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Arnold Hillman
02:52 Early Life and Influences
04:08 Advice for Rural Leaders
05:23 Challenges in Rural Education
09:54 Career in Education and Advocacy
13:59 Special Education and Hidden Costs
16:38 Testimony and Lobbying Experiences
23:23 Starting Bright Futures and Scholarship Programs
30:06 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
30:31 Founding Scores in South Carolina
31:07 Challenges in South Carolina's Education System
32:20 Personal Connections in Rural Education
37:18 Consolidation in Rural Schools
42:36 Early Distance Learning Initiatives
45:21 Superintendent Searches and Leadership
48:56 Current Trends in Rural Education
51:59 The Rural Advantage
54:39 Conclusion and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Dr. Arnold Hillman’s story is a powerful reminder that rural leadership is built on relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of place. From classrooms to capitol buildings, his work demonstrates that meaningful change happens when educators advocate together, honor community identity, and keep students at the center of every decision.
As Dr. Sadorf reminds listeners, rural leaders don’t just manage systems—they steward communities. This episode challenges us to take one small step forward: build a relationship, ask a better question, or advocate more clearly for rural schools. When rural leaders share their stories and lead together, rural education doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Montana State University and former rural and Indigenous school leader. Together, they explore why culture, language, identity, and wellness are not “add-ons” in rural schools—but the operating system that shapes everything from leadership decisions to student belonging.
Dr. Cummins shares his journey from serving in Indigenous and rural schools to preparing the next generation of school leaders. He unpacks the historical context of schooling for Indigenous communities, the lasting impact of colonization on education systems, and the importance of asset-based, humanizing approaches to leadership and discipline. The conversation also dives into Humanized Education, the framework he co-authored that blends mastery-based, growth-based, and strength-based learning into a practical, research-driven model.
This episode offers powerful insights and concrete practices for rural leaders who want to design schools where students see themselves, feel valued, and are prepared to live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop
00:50 Meet Dr. Jason Cummings
02:24 The Importance of Community and Education
04:58 Challenges and Perspectives in Rural Education
07:25 Jason's Journey in Education
11:55 Historical Context of Native American Education
19:48 Decolonizing Leadership in Schools
27:25 Misinformed Views on Native Education
28:14 Decolonizing School Leadership
28:29 Funding Sources for Native Education
30:21 Importance of Indigenous Voices in Schools
31:24 Language and Cultural Sensitivity in Education
33:21 Introducing Humanized Education
34:51 Framework of Humanized Education
38:45 Cultural Responsiveness and Discipline
42:20 Preparing Future Educational Leaders
47:44 Commitment and Cultural Humility in Leadership
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation reminds us that effective rural leadership starts with seeing students and communities as whole, capable, and deeply connected to place. Dr. Jason Cummins challenges educators to move beyond compliance, deficit thinking, and one-size-fits-all systems—and instead lead with humility, cultural awareness, and purpose.
When schools honor language, identity, and community knowledge, they become places of belonging rather than extraction. As Dr. Cummins makes clear, humanizing education isn’t about lowering expectations—it’s about designing systems where students can truly thrive. For rural leaders, the work begins by listening, learning, and leading alongside the communities they serve.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Dennis Walto, Chief External Affairs Officer at Chiricahua Community Health Centers in Cochise County, Arizona. Dennis brings decades of global and U.S. health leadership to the rural borderlands, where he now leads innovative, community-centered healthcare solutions serving nearly one-third of the county’s population.
Together, Melissa and Dennis explore what it takes to deliver equitable healthcare across thousands of rural square miles—where provider shortages, transportation barriers, and limited broadband are everyday realities. Dennis shares how Chiricahua has leaned into integration, mobile health clinics, school partnerships, and grant-funded innovation to reduce missed opportunities for care.
The conversation also draws powerful parallels between rural healthcare and rural education, offering practical takeaways for school leaders around partnerships, workforce pipelines, crisis response, trust-building, and the true meaning of the “rural advantage.”
𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop
00:46 Meet Dennis wto: From Global Leadership to Rural Healthcare
02:20 Challenges and Innovations in Cochise County Healthcare
05:07 Patient Mix and Healthcare Accessibility
09:16 Innovative Programming and Integration Models
13:57 Addressing Domestic Violence and Healthy Relationships
17:33 Grants and Funding for Rural Health Initiatives
24:18 Recruitment and Retention in Rural Healthcare
27:26 Partnerships with Schools and Community Colleges
30:30 School Partnerships and Sports Physicals
31:32 Crisis Response and COVID-19
34:34 Emergency Response Plans in Schools
35:56 Emotional Intelligence in Clinical Settings
39:22 Mobile Clinics: Healthcare on Wheels
45:17 Building Trust in Rural Healthcare
48:16 Emerging Trends in Rural Health
51:19 Federal Impact on Rural Health
53:12 Future Plans for OW Health Centers
55:10 The Rural Advantage in Healthcare
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode underscores a powerful truth: rural challenges demand rural solutions rooted in trust, partnership, and innovation. Dennis Walto’s work at Chiricahua Community Health Centers shows how asset-based thinking, integrated care models, and deep collaboration with schools and community partners can dramatically improve outcomes for families and students alike.
For rural educators and leaders, this conversation offers a compelling reminder that health and learning are inseparable—and that when communities lead together, they truly thrive together.