Eddie and Steph start the show by going through some of the hottest topics at OCPS: the banning of e-bikes and e-scooters, the new AI Policy, and the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez. Afterward, they welcome Joe McGehee, the Director of Advocacy & Legislative Services at the Florida School Board Association (FSBA) (20:10). We begin by outlining how Joe came to this work, what FSBA does, and how important it is for FSBA to find common ground amongst its membership. Joe then dives into what it’s like to be in meetings with legislators when things go well and when things don’t go his way (29:29). They then talk about playing the long game in public education advocacy and some of the highlight/lowlights of Joe’s first year in the position (33:22). Next, Steph and Joe discuss how it works when there’s honest disagreement and then what’s coming up in the next legislation session for FSBA (47:50). Finally, Joe gives advice on how anyone can become a more effective advocate and what Joe’s takes are on The Odyssey (1:02:20).

• Extracurricular Podcast
• Stephanie Vanos
• Eddie Geller