The Purple Zone

Alexis Morgan
  • 5.0 (8)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).  Bridging the Gap between Public Policy, Practice & People. The Purple Zone explores what it really means to align how we govern, how we educate, and how we show up for our communities. Hosted by Alexis — a PhD student in public policy and administration, and longtime educator and advocate for kids, communities, and the systems that shape our lives. This podcast connects the dots between policy and practice, without the politics or platitudes. It’s about naming what often goes unsaid — and making space for a more honest, human approach to systems that impact all of us.  How systems shape our communities, from policy on paper to action in practice. + Thinking Out Loud as a PhD Student

  1. DEC 17

    A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools

    Send us a text Last Friday, Idaho school and community leaders were notified that a major federal education grant already awarded and already supporting students is being cut short. The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant, awarded to Idaho through the United Way of Treasure Valley, was designed as a five-year investment supporting  47 rural & title one public schools. That funding is now scheduled to end three 1/2 years early, putting more than $30 million in support and nearly 60 full-time positions at risk. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis breaks down: What the Full-Service Community Schools grant is and what it is notWhy the community school strategy is an adaptable, locally led approach that works especially well in IdahoWhat’s actually behind the federal decision to discontinue the grant earlyWhat Idaho schools, districts, and partners are doing right now to appeal the decisionAnd how parents, educators, and community members can helpThis conversation isn’t about partisan politics, it’s about Idaho kids, Idaho schools, and Idaho communities, and whether schools can finish work that is already underway. 👉 Take Action 📄 Send/email an appeal letter: LINK TO LETTER📊 Read the Idaho Community Schools Fact Sheet: LINK TO FACT SHEETPolicy matters, but people matter more. And right now, Idaho needs voices. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    20 min

  2. DEC 16

    When Policy Meets a Viral Moment: Inside Idaho’s HB 41 (Flags & Schools Bill)

    Send us a text How does a bill actually move through a legislature — not in textbooks, but in real life? In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis takes a deep dive into House Bill 41, Idaho’s 2025 “flags and schools” law, a bill that unexpectedly became tied to the now-viral West Ada classroom incident and sparked national debate about patriotism, symbolism, and expression in schools. But instead of reacting to the headlines, we’re stepping back and dissecting HB 41 through one of the most influential theories in public policy: the Multiple Streams Framework. Alexis sits down with the bill’s sponsor, Representative Ted Hill, to unpack how HB 41 traveled from idea → draft → committee → law, and how a viral moment altered the trajectory in ways no one anticipated. Together, they explore: How the “problem” of flags in classrooms was defined — and redefinedWhat policy options were on the table before the 2025 session even beganHow the West Ada sign incident transformed a local issue into a statewide flashpoint (The Everyone is Welcome Here Sign Topic)Why Idaho’s political climate made the bill’s momentum almost inevitableHow media attention shaped not just perception, but implementationAnd whether the viral moment created the “policy window” that pushed HB 41 across the finish lineThis episode isn’t about litigating the bill.  It’s about understanding the mechanics of how real policy happens: through the collision of problem definitions, political climates, ready-made solutions, and unexpected focusing events. If you’ve ever wondered how a symbolic bill becomes a statewide law, or why certain ideas rise while others fade, this case study of HB 41 is a masterclass in policymaking in the modern era. This is The Purple Zone — where policy, practice, & people meet. Let’s jump in. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    1h 22m

  3. DEC 2

    The Assassination That Rewired American Government

    Send us a text What do a disappointed office-seeker, a presidential assassination, a reform act from the 1880s, and an academic essay from Woodrow Wilson have to do with your life today?  More than you think. In this episode, Alexis traces the surprising story of how the U.S. moved from a full-blown spoils system—“to the victor belong the spoils”—to a modern merit-based civil service. You’ll hear how President James Garfield’s assassination jolted the country into passing the Pendleton Act, how Woodrow Wilson helped launch public administration as its own field, and why all of this matters right now as Schedule F (now Schedule Policy/Career) reopens the debate over loyalty vs. expertise in federal jobs. This isn’t about which party is “right.” It’s about the kind of government we want:  One run by professionals?  One run by political loyalists?  Or something in between? If you’ve ever wondered how civil servants actually got here—and whether we’re drifting back toward a modern spoils system—this episode is your roadmap. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    43 min

  4. NOV 18

    Human → AI → Human: Navigating AI with Integrity, Clarity & Curiosity

    Send us a text Alexis sits down with Will Goodman, Chief Technology Officer for the Boise School District and a central voice in Idaho’s statewide conversations on AI in K–12 education. Will and Alexis serve together on an AI in K-12 Education Workgroup in Idaho, and in this episode, they dig into the real questions Idaho is navigating right now. Together they explore: With 94% of Idaho students in public schools, what does “getting AI right” actually mean for an entire system?How schools can maintain academic integrity while using AI as a learning partner.What “Human → AI → Human” looks like in a real classroom?How to communicate clearly with parents about what AI is, and isn’t, doing in Idaho classrooms.What conversations parents should be having at home?How AI fits alongside Digital Literacy and digital citizenship.How Idaho’s approach compares to states like Colorado, Utah, and Georgia.How we’ll measure success: learning outcomes, efficiency, and equity.The cultural challenge of moving from fear to curiosity.Safeguarding human dignity and agency in an AI-driven world.What responsible AI in Idaho education could look like in 3–5 years.If this conversation sparks a thought, concern, or idea—reach out. Idaho’s framework is a living document, and community voices matter. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    54 min

  5. NOV 3

    Who Runs This Town? Local Government & the Art of Folding in the Cheese

    Send us a text Most people can name the President—but not their local city council members. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to unpack what local government actually does and why it matters. From who really decides where roads go (hint: it’s not your Eagle City Council members) to how citizens can get involved at every level, this episode gets you started with Local Gov 101. Matt shares insights from his conversations with elected officials, candidates, and civic leaders—offering real Idaho examples that bring policy to life. Along the way,  a parallel to that unforgettable Schitt’s Creek scene: when Moira tells David to “fold in the cheese,” but never explains how. That’s how local government can feel...knowing it's there, but not knowing how to describe who does what and how. Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong Idahoan, this conversation breaks down structures, responsibilities, and the small steps we can all take to keep democracy strong from the bottom up.  Because nothing changes unless we change it. 🎙️ A must-listen for every citizen who believes their vote...and their voice...matters. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    1h 10m

  6. OCT 28

    Beyond the Buzzwords of AI + Education: Transparency, Privacy Rights, and What Comes Next...

    Send us a text Do you know that AI is already integrated into nearly everything we do online? From the devices in our kids’ classrooms to the apps on our phones—artificial intelligence is part of daily life. In this episode, Alexis sits down with Dr. Jeff Carlson to unpack what AI in education really means and where Idaho can go from here. Together, they trace the timeline of technology, social media, and now AI—three distinct but connected “buckets” that shape how students learn, how parents engage, and how schools make decisions. Key themes include: How to inform and empower parents about AI in schools—without assuming support or opposition.What data privacy and transparency should look like for kids under 18.The limits of opting out—and whether it’s even possible in today’s digital learning environment.How AI intersects with mental health, student well-being, and policy design.Practical questions every parent should be able to ask about their child’s tech use.Dr. Carlson challenges us to look beyond the fear and lean into understanding—because ignoring AI may be riskier than engaging with it thoughtfully.  This is a conversation about shared responsibility, transparency, and what it means to prepare our kids (and ourselves) for an AI-shaped future. 👉 Take a listen, then email or message @the_idaho_lady to share your thoughts.  Because when it comes to policy, the best solutions come from the table we build together. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    42 min

  7. OCT 7

    School Boards 101: The Role, The Questions, The Elections

    Send us a text Can you answer the following questions?  What is the number one responsibility of every school board? What are the Five Big Governance Questions EVERY school board member should be able to answer?It’s election season for school board candidates…listen to learn what their real responsibilities are, what to look for as a voter, and why these local races matter so much. Listen to this episode to learn the most important job of a school board member, hear the Five Governance Questions, understand what school boards actually do, why their role matters, and how you as a voter can evaluate candidates. Plus, things to think about in the upcoming school board elections. 👉 A MUST-listen for EVERY voter. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    21 min

  8. SEP 30

    Conflict Isn’t the Enemy: But Do You Know What Is?

    Send us a text Conflict doesn’t have to divide us; it can be the wrestle that leads to deeper understanding and stronger communities. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis reflects on her experiences moderating at voucher town halls across Idaho, where dignity has proven essential for meaningful dialogue. (This isn't a convo about vouchers, it's the takeaway from interacting with communities all over Idaho). Drawing from the Dignity Index, personal stories, and even her daughter’s raw reflections after the recent tragedy in Michigan, Alexis explores why conflict is not the problem...contempt is. She shares how offering dignity, even in disagreement, opens the door for learning and connection, whether in public policy debates like HB 93 or in everyday conversations, in person or on social media. The Purple Zone isn’t about compromise. It’s about coming to the table with honesty, good intentions, and the courage to work through conflict together. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

    21 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Purple Zone (formerly Our Kids Our Schools).  Bridging the Gap between Public Policy, Practice & People. The Purple Zone explores what it really means to align how we govern, how we educate, and how we show up for our communities. Hosted by Alexis — a PhD student in public policy and administration, and longtime educator and advocate for kids, communities, and the systems that shape our lives. This podcast connects the dots between policy and practice, without the politics or platitudes. It’s about naming what often goes unsaid — and making space for a more honest, human approach to systems that impact all of us.  How systems shape our communities, from policy on paper to action in practice. + Thinking Out Loud as a PhD Student

Information

  • Creator
    Alexis Morgan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Purple Zone
  • Show Website
    The Purple Zone

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