Talking Education - With Josie Barnhart

Episode 6: Talking Education - With Josie Barnhart

January 27, 2025

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In this episode of the Nikki and Reuel podcast, the hosts engage with Josie Barnhart, a member of the New Hanover County Board of Education. They discuss various educational initiatives, including the Career Leadership Development Academy for seventh graders, an essay contest in partnership with Bikes for Kids, and advanced teacher roles aimed at improving educational outcomes.

The conversation also touches on collaboration with county commissioners for funding, innovative programs like Spark NC, and the introduction of savings accounts for students to promote financial literacy. Josie emphasizes the importance of building relationships and creating opportunities for both students and staff in the education system.

Takeaways

The Career Leadership Development Academy provides hands-on career exploration for seventh graders.
Engaging students early in career discussions can help them make informed high school choices.
The Bikes for Kids initiative empowers low-income students through essay contests and bike giveaways.
Advanced teacher roles focus on improving teaching quality in low-performing schools.
Collaboration with county commissioners has led to increased funding for school capital projects.
Spark NC offers innovative, self-paced learning opportunities for high school students.
Savings accounts for students aim to promote financial literacy and provide future financial support.
Building relationships with community partners is crucial for educational success.
Creating opportunities for students can change their life trajectories.
Transparency and communication from school leadership foster trust within the community.

Sound Bites

"It's all about education tonight."
"I want to create this opportunity."
"We are prone to hurricanes."

Download Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437709/episodes/16493879-talking-education-with-josie-barnhart.mp3?download=true

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Josie Barnhart is the Vice-Chair of the New Hanover Board of Education. She has been on the board since 2022.

Josie was raised in a loving lower-middle-class family with 5 kids in Florida. She was home schooled for part of her elementary years and attended public school in middle school and high school. She attended the University of Central Florida on a full academic scholarship to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming an educator.

Nikki brings a wealth of experience to The Wilmington Conservative. Her lifelong involvement in the community gives her a great perspective on both politics and culture. She takes these things seriously - but never TOO seriously. She grew up in New Hanover County Schools, raised two adult children in New Hanover County Schools, and has two children currently in New Hanover County Schools, and I work in New Hanover County Schools. She is actively involved in Surfer's Healing and can be seen all about New Hanover.

Reuel Sample is the Editor-in-Chief of The Wilmington Standard. A graduate of Grove City College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he has served as both a Presbyterian Pastor and a Navy Chaplain. He is the product of a classical liberal arts education combined with real world experience in politics and business and conservative Christian worldview firmly rooted in the Reformed tradition. He is the host of several podcasts including the NHC GOP Podcast, the Pastor's Voice, and co-hosts the Nikki and Reuel Podcast Experience. An avid sailor, he has sailed around the world as a youth and to the Azores as a teen as well as extensive trips up and down the east coast of the United States. He is honored to be married to his wife Pam and makes his home in Wilmington, NC.