Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma's Education Leaders

Dr. Nick Migliorino

Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders is hosted by Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino and brings together education leaders from across Oklahoma for thoughtful conversations about public education. Each episode explores what’s working in schools, the challenges facing education, misconceptions about public education and the ideas shaping the future of our schools. Guests share their experiences, perspectives and lessons learned while highlighting the different stories and approaches found in school communities across Oklahoma. Because every district has a different story, there’s always something we can learn from one another. Different communities. Different experiences. Different ideas. One shared purpose: serving kids. That’s our common ground.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Oklahoma Public Education: Mike Mazzei on Funding Schools and Oklahoma’s Future

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders, Dr. Nick Migliorino sits down with Mike Mazzei, candidate for governor of Oklahoma, to discuss his background in business, financial planning and public service, along with his vision for the state’s public education system. Mazzei reflects on his time in the Oklahoma Senate and his work with state finances and budgeting. He discusses the role a governor can play in supporting public education, the importance of financial stewardship and long-term planning, and how schools contribute to Oklahoma’s economic future. The conversation also explores opportunities for stronger partnerships among schools, businesses and communities, the balance between state leadership and local decision-making, and how leaders can work through political differences while keeping students at the center of the conversation. Every leader has a different story and different beliefs, but there is always common ground and something we can learn from one another.

    Oklahoma Public Education: Mike Mazzei on Funding Schools and Oklahoma’s Future

  2. Oct 20

    Oklahoma Public Education: What Would Change Under Cyndi Munson as Governor?

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders, Dr. Nick Migliorino sits down with Cyndi Munson, candidate for governor of Oklahoma, to discuss her background, leadership and vision for the state’s public education system. Munson reflects on growing up in a military family in Lawton, how public education and Oklahoma’s Promise helped shape her journey as a first-generation college student, and how those experiences influence her perspective on education today. The conversation explores the role a governor can play in supporting public education, priorities such as teachers and support staff, counselors, class sizes and school funding, and the balance between state leadership and local decision-making. Munson also shares what she has learned from working across political differences and how leaders can keep students at the center of important conversations. Every leader has a different story and different beliefs, but there is always common ground and something we can learn from one another.

    Oklahoma Public Education: What Would Change Under Cyndi Munson as Governor?

  3. Oct 6

    Oklahoma Public Education: Why Dr. Robert Franklin Says It’s Time to Get Back to Basics

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders, Dr. Nick Migliorino sits down with Dr. Robert Franklin, an educator and candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Franklin shares his more than four decades of experience in education, including his work as a special education teacher, principal, district leader and CareerTech administrator. He discusses what those experiences have taught him about students, educators and the purpose of public education. Franklin also discusses why he is running for State Superintendent, his vision for the role of the State Department of Education, his approach to reading, math, discipline and academic expectations, and how he believes Oklahoma can better support educators while maintaining high expectations for students. Every leader has a different story and different beliefs, but there is always common ground and something we can learn from one another. Thank you to Norman Stamp and Seal for sponsoring our mugs and La Baguette Bakery & Cafe for having us!

    Oklahoma Public Education: Why Dr. Robert Franklin Says It’s Time to Get Back to Basics

  4. Oct 6

    Oklahoma Public Education: Dr. Jennettie Marshall’s Vision to Move Beyond Politics

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders, Dr. Nick Migliorino sits down with Dr. Jennettie Marshall, an education advocate and candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Marshall shares the experiences that have shaped her as a leader, including her work in child welfare, corrections, ministry, community advocacy and school governance. She also discusses her eight years serving on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education and what that experience taught her about the relationship between schools, communities and state leadership. Marshall discusses why she is running for State Superintendent, her approach to moving education beyond politics and toward results, and the role of data-driven decision-making, quality learning standards and strong relationships. She also shares her thoughts on the role of families and communities in strengthening public education and how she would work through disagreements while keeping the focus on students and student outcomes. Every leader has a different story and different beliefs, but there is always common ground and something we can learn from one another. Thank you to Norman Stamp and Seal for sponsoring our mugs and La Baguette Bakery & Cafe for having us!

    Oklahoma Public Education: Dr. Jennettie Marshall’s Vision to Move Beyond Politics

  5. Sep 10

    Oklahoma Public Education: What’s Really Happening | Dr. Robert Romines & Dr. Rick Cobb

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What’s really happening in Oklahoma’s public schools? On this episode of Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders, Dr. Nick Migliorino sits down with Dr. Robert Romines, Superintendent of Moore Public Schools, and Dr. Rick Cobb, Superintendent of Mid-Del Public Schools, for a candid conversation about the state of public education in Oklahoma. The conversation covers what’s going right in public schools, how the job of educators has changed, the growing political rhetoric surrounding education, Oklahoma’s teacher pipeline, and the increasing expectations placed on schools and teachers. Dr. Romines and Dr. Cobb also share what they believe policymakers and the public need to understand about public education, as well as why Oklahomans should continue to believe in their public schools. In this episode: • What’s working in Oklahoma public schools • How the superintendent’s job has changed • Public perception vs. reality in education • Politics and public education • Oklahoma’s teacher pipeline • The expanding role of schools and teachers • What policymakers need to understand • The future of Oklahoma public education Guests: Dr. Robert Romines, Superintendent, Moore Public Schools Dr. Rick Cobb, Superintendent, Mid-Del Public Schools Hosted by Dr. Nick Migliorino. Common Ground brings together education leaders from across Oklahoma to share ideas, discuss challenges, celebrate successes and explore how we can better prepare the next generation.

    Oklahoma Public Education: What’s Really Happening | Dr. Robert Romines & Dr. Rick Cobb

  6. Season 1 Trailer

    TEASER: Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma's Education Leaders

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Every school community has a story. And behind every story are leaders making decisions, facing challenges and finding new ways to help students succeed. Dr. Nick Migliorino, superintendent of Norman Public Schools, is leading this new podcast called Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders. Join him as we sit down with education leaders from across Oklahoma to talk about what’s working, what’s changing and what’s next for our schools. Because no matter where we come from, there’s always common ground.

    TEASER: Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma's Education Leaders
  • 1 Trailer
    5 Episodes

Trailer

About

Common Ground: Conversations with Oklahoma’s Education Leaders is hosted by Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino and brings together education leaders from across Oklahoma for thoughtful conversations about public education. Each episode explores what’s working in schools, the challenges facing education, misconceptions about public education and the ideas shaping the future of our schools. Guests share their experiences, perspectives and lessons learned while highlighting the different stories and approaches found in school communities across Oklahoma. Because every district has a different story, there’s always something we can learn from one another. Different communities. Different experiences. Different ideas. One shared purpose: serving kids. That’s our common ground.

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