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In this episode, Alexis sits down with Marisela Pesina, the School Board Chairwoman for the Caldwell School District, to explore her journey from being the daughter of migrant workers to becoming a powerful advocate for her community. Marisela speaks about how she discovered her voice and turned it into a force for change, translating personal challenges into dedicated advocacy. The conversation delves into the tough decisions faced by the school board, including navigating the repercussions of the recently failed Supplemental Levy for the Caldwell School District, which serves approximately 5,500 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

Marisela shares insights into the impact of the failed levy, which fell short by just 100 votes, and the difficult choices made by the board in response—decisions which included a school closure and staff reductions. Though this episode was recorded before the final board meeting that determined these course corrections, Marisela provides an honest, heartfelt look at the complexities and emotional weight of such decisions. Together, they discuss the resilient spirit of Caldwell's educators and the community's ongoing efforts to ensure that all students receive a quality education despite the financial hurdles.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the specific changes on the horizon for Caldwell's schools, such as the closure of one elementary school and the restructuring of middle schools. They will also hear about the critical importance of community engagement in shaping the school district's future, as well as the strategies being employed to navigate budget shortfalls while prioritizing student well-being and educational quality. Tune in for an inspirational and revealing conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community solidarity.

For more info on the Caldwell School Board's decision, check out this quick read from the Idaho Ed News: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/caldwell-approves-next-years-budget-which-includes-school-closure/

Another news story by Idaho News 6: https://www.kivitv.com/caldwell/caldwell-school-district-closing-facilities-shrinking-programs-following-failed-supplementary-levy

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