- Meet Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Ohio State Representative District 4
In this final episode of our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series, we sit down with Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, State Representative for Ohio House District 4 and Ohio House Minority Whip.
Since she’s running unopposed this year, we take advantage of her expertise to pull back the curtain on how a political party actually works, from the Democratic National Committee to our county parties. We talk about what the caucus is, who really influences legislators, how much independence they also have, and how we can have a voice in the party to make sure our district’s needs are addressed.
Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Thank you for following along with us this season! Listen to the full conversation and catch up on every episode of our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
Connect with Beryl Brown Piccolantonio:
Resources for this conversation:
We’ve included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
- Ohio Revised Code 3517.03: The state law that structures both major parties in Ohio, including state and county central committees, whose members are elected in the primaries.
- Democratic National Committee: The national party, which sets the platform, runs the presidential nominating process, and supports state parties.
- Ohio Democratic Party: The state party, with information on leadership, county parties, and ways to get involved.
- Franklin County Democratic Party: The county party for District 4, with local endorsements, events, and volunteer opportunities.
- Ohio Republican Party: For comparison. State law gives both major parties the same committee structure.
- United She Stands: Unpacking the “Establishment Democrat”: Rep. Brown Piccolantonio joins Ashley and Sara to break down what the term really means.
- American Motherhood: Rep. Beryl x Private School Vouchers: Our earlier conversation with Rep. Brown Piccolantonio on EdChoice vouchers.
- American Motherhood: Can Republicans and Democrats Still Find Common Ground?: Our interview with Senator Blessing, referenced in this episode.
46m - Oct 20, 2026 - Meet Shelby Kimball, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Shelby Kimball, a mom of four, Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran, and the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 60 in Delaware County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.
We dig into her priorities for the state, including strong public schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, and support for veterans and military families. Shelby also shares how years of navigating the same systems so many Ohio families rely on, from classrooms to doctor’s offices, shaped her decision to run.
Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
Connect with Shelby Kimball:
Resources for this conversation:
We’ve included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
- Ohio Education Association: Ohio’s largest teachers union, representing teachers and education support professionals across the state. It bargains contracts, advocates on school funding and education policy at the Statehouse, and offers professional development for educators.
- Teachers Unions Lift Salaries and School Spending, But Evidence on Student Achievement Is Mixed (The 74): A balanced look at the research. Studies generally agree that collective bargaining raises school spending, while findings on student outcomes are mixed.
- National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias: A nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by ectodermal dysplasias, a group of rare genetic conditions that can affect the hair, teeth, nails, and sweat glands. It offers family resources, connects people with specialized care, and advocates for better access to treatment.
47m - Oct 13, 2026 - Meet Jerrad Christian, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 12
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Jerrad Christian, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio's 12th Congressional District, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.
With rural, suburban, and urban communities side by side, District 12 represents so much of Ohio's diversity all in one place, and serving it means balancing very different needs. We dig into how Jerrad's priorities, from public school funding to AI to agriculture, would reach every corner of the district, including his case for single-payer health care.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
Resources for this conversation:
We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
- GI Bill Benefits (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs): An overview of the education and training benefits available to veterans, service members, and their families.
- AcreTrader: An online platform that lets investors buy shares of U.S. farmland, part of a growing trend of investor ownership in agriculture.
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Congress.gov) and House Vote Record: The $1.2 trillion 2021 law funding roads, bridges, broadband, and water systems. Thirteen House Republicans voted for it, and the vote record shows how each Ohio member voted.
- Court Rules No Constitutional Right to Clean Water (AllSides): Coverage from across the spectrum of a September 2026 ruling. In a 10 to 5 vote, the full 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found no clearly established constitutional right to clean drinking water, and no constitutional duty for officials to share accurate water quality information. Residents can still pursue claims under state law or federal statutes like the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Surveillance Pricing Update (Federal Trade Commission): The FTC's look at "surveillance pricing," where companies use personal data to set individualized prices. Unlike dynamic pricing, which responds to supply and demand, this can mean different customers pay different prices for the same purchase at the same time.
- Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNow.org v. FEC (Federal Election Commission): The two 2010 court decisions that allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions and paved the way for super PACs.
Connect with Jerrad Christian:
36m - Oct 8, 2026 - Meet Daquan Neal, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 39
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Daquan Neal, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 39 in Montgomery County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.
We dig into his priorities for the state, including a livable wage, universal free school lunch, and how tax policy affects working families. Daquan brings high energy to every part of this conversation, and he makes a different kind of ask: he's asking you to share his platform more than your wallet.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Connect with Daquan:
Resources for this conversation:
We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
- Ohio Income Tax Rates (Ohio Department of Taxation): Ohio's official tax rate tables. Under the state budget signed in June 2025, Ohio moved to a flat income tax in 2026: no state income tax on the first $26,050, and a single 2.75% rate on income above that.
- Analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Policy Center): A nonpartisan breakdown of the 2017 federal tax law. It found the law cut taxes on average for all income groups, with the largest cuts as a share of income going to higher-income households.
- Head Start Center Locator (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Find Head Start and Early Head Start programs near you. These federally funded programs offer free early learning, health, and family support services for eligible children from birth to age 5.
- Living Wage Calculator: Ohio (MIT): Estimates what it actually costs to support a household in Ohio, by county and family size, compared to minimum wage.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.
58m - Oct 6, 2026 - Meet Noah Spinner, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 31
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Noah Spinner, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 31 in Summit County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.
We dig into his priorities for the state, including healthcare, public schools, and bringing affordability back to working families. Noah also shares how his own personal journey has shaped his perspective, leadership, and his decision to once again pursue elected office.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.
Connect with Noah Spinner:
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
53m - Oct 1, 2026 - Meet Don Kissick, Libertarian Candidate for Ohio Governor
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Kissick, the Libertarian candidate for Ohio governor, for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of his vision for the state.
We dig into what limited government would really look like for families, including his belief that a robust economy would allow communities to rely on private charity rather than government programs. We also talk about where he stands on immigration and why the Fourth Amendment's protections for our homes and personal property matter more than ever. It's a candid look at personal liberty and the role of government in our everyday lives.
Whether you're familiar with Libertarian ideas or hearing them for the first time, there's plenty here to think about. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.
Resources for this conversation:
We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
- The Fourth Amendment, which guarantees people the right to be secure in their homes and their effects.
- Learn more about the Libertarian Party: Welcome to the Libertarian Party
Connect with Don Kissick:
- Instagram: @donkissick
- TikTok: @don.kissick
- X: @DonCKissick
- Facebook: @DonKissickLiberty
43m - Sep 29, 2026 - Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas, Candidate for Ohio Supreme Court
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Judge Marilyn Zayas, who's running for one of two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court.
We cover how the Ohio Supreme Court touches everyday family life, where the line falls between interpreting the law and making policy, setting aside personal opinion to follow the law, party labels on judicial ballots, and what the court can do when the legislature doesn't comply with its rulings. Above all, this is a conversation about making the court and judicial races more accessible and transparent for all Ohioans.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.
Resources for this conversation:
We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
Want to learn more about the judicial candidates on your ballot?
- VOTE411: The League of Women Voters' nonpartisan voter guide. Enter your address to see every race on your ballot, including judges, with candidates' answers in their own words.
- Judicial Votes Count: Ohio's nonpartisan, statewide resource on judicial elections. It has candidate profiles with qualifications, endorsements, and reasons for running, plus explainers on how Ohio's courts work.
- Judge4Yourself: Nonpartisan ratings of Ohio Supreme Court and Cuyahoga County judicial candidates from a coalition of bar associations. Candidates are rated from "Excellent" to "Not Recommended" based on integrity, knowledge, experience, diligence, and impartiality.
Want to understand the court's role in school funding and redistricting?
- DeRolph v. State: School Funding Case (Ohio Legislative Service Commission): A nonpartisan legislative summary of Ohio's landmark school funding case. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3 that the state's funding system was unconstitutional. The court revisited the case several times over the following years before ending its involvement, but the underlying funding problems were never fully resolved.
- Ohio Legislative District Maps Ruled Unconstitutional (Court News Ohio): The Ohio Supreme Court's own summary of its first 2022 redistricting ruling, including both the majority and dissenting views. From 2021 to 2022, the court struck down Ohio's state legislative maps five times and the congressional maps twice.
- Ohio's EdChoice Voucher Case (Statehouse News Bureau): Coverage of the appeal of a 2025 lower court ruling that found Ohio's EdChoice private school voucher program unconstitutional. The case may reach the Ohio Supreme Court. The state argues vouchers are scholarships that give families more educational options, not state funding for private schools.
50m - Sep 25, 2026 - Meet Rose Lounsbury, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 36
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury, who's running to represent Ohio House District 36, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families.
We dig into her priorities for the state, including how she'd approach education funding, how to balance gun rights with public safety, and how to protect women's rights and everyone's access to affordable healthcare. We also get a sense of what kind of leader she'd be.
Gun safety remains a deeply personal issue for many Ohio families, especially in the wake of the August 4, 2019 mass shooting in Dayton. You can read the FBI's investigative report on the attack here for more context on what happened that day.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for, regardless of how you vote, we want you to hear directly from the candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they'd lead.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
49m - Sep 22, 2026 - Meet Samantha Salamon, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 35
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Samantha Salamon, who is running to represent Ohio House District 35, to talk about the issues that matter most to Ohio families.
We cover the top concerns for families, including affordability, public education, property taxes, and how our legislature can create change for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Above all, this is a conversation between two moms, appreciating the hard work of motherhood and recognizing that mothers are uniquely positioned to understand this world and make change for our kids.
Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they would lead.
Resources for this conversation:
We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective.
Want to know how much your school district receives from the State of Ohio? The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce publishes state funding and financial data for every public school district.
- District Profile Report (Cupp Report): the most user-friendly option, with revenue by source, expenditures, enrollment, and other financial data for individual districts.
- Traditional District Payment Reports (Excel): raw payment data by fiscal year, select your report and find your district in the spreadsheet. FY2026 Final #1 is the most current final report available.
If you or someone you know needs support related to domestic violence or human trafficking:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), available 24/7, or chat at thehotline.org.
- Ohio Domestic Violence Network: resources and legal support for survivors across Ohio. odvn.org/resource-center
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, available 24/7 in over 200 languages. humantraffickinghotline.org
- Ohio's Statewide Human Trafficking Hotline (844-END-OHHT / 844-363-6448): operated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, connects tips directly to local law enforcement and task forces.
Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.
1h 0m - Sep 17, 2026 - Meet Don Leonard, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 15
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Leonard, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state.
We ask him about affordability and the challenges facing families today, including housing, healthcare, childcare, and the unique pressures facing the sandwich generation. In this conversation, we’re reminded that we can aim higher for the next generation, and Don shares how he would work to shape Ohio’s future.
Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families.
Resources for this conversation:
We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues discussed in this interview. They provide additional context, background information, and perspectives on topics raised during our conversation.
Explore how changes in family income can affect taxes, public benefits, and overall household resources.
Medigap and Pre-existing Conditions
Learn about Medicare Supplement Insurance enrollment protections and how pre-existing conditions can affect coverage.
Proposed Changes to Head Start
Read more about proposed federal changes to Head Start regulations and what they could mean for Head Start programs and the families they serve.
New Mexico’s Universal Child Care Program
Learn how New Mexico expanded childcare assistance to provide no-cost childcare regardless of family income.
Connecticut’s Child Care Affordability Model
Learn about Connecticut’s plan to provide no-cost childcare through its Early Start CT program for families earning up to $100,000, while capping family contributions at 7% of household income for families earning more than $100,000. The changes are expected to begin in 2027.
Subscribe so you don't miss our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series, and follow us on Instagram for more.
50m - Sep 15, 2026 - Meet Cleophus Dulaney, Republican Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 3
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Mr. Cleophus Dulaney, Republican candidate for Ohio’s Third Congressional District, to discuss the issues affecting Ohio families and his priorities for the district and the state.
We asked him about affordable housing, property taxes, education, his vision for Ohio, and the kind of leader he would be.
Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, understand their positions and priorities, and get a better sense of how they would approach the issues that matter to families.
Resources for This Conversation
We’ve included resources below to help you explore some of the issues and claims discussed during this interview. These sources may provide additional context, support information shared during the conversation, or offer additional perspectives and background.
What does the U.S. Constitution say about federal taxes?
National Archives: 16th Amendment
Congress.gov: Constitution Annotated, 16th Amendment
What does the Ohio Constitution say about funding public schools? Ohio Constitution, Article VI: Education
To learn more about how public schools are funded in Ohio, listen to our own American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Series (6 episodes)
Ohio House Bill 114: The legislation addresses kindergarten age requirements and took effect March 20, 2026. Ohio Legislature: House Bill 114
The history of tariffs: This nonpartisan CRS report provides historical context on U.S. tariff policy, including tariffs’ role in federal revenue and trade policy: Congressional Research Service: U.S. Tariff Policy: Overview
A timeline and background on the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Jan 6 timeline
Criminal complaint involving Cleophus Dulaney: United States of America v. Cleophus Dulaney
Arrest of Joyce Beatty: Roll Call: Capitol Police arrest Rep. Joyce Beatty at protest
2020 Election Results:
1. Peer-reviewed research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: PNAS research
2. U.S. House Select Committee: January 6 Final Report: President Trump Had His Day in Court
3. PolitiFact: More than 60 of Trump’s election lawsuits lacked merit
53m - Sep 8, 2026 - Can Republicans and Democrats still find common ground?
What does bipartisanship actually look like at the Ohio Statehouse, and why should Ohio families care?
In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Senator Louis Blessing, a Republican member of the Ohio Senate representing the 8th District, to talk about what happens when lawmakers look beyond party labels and work toward common ground.
We discuss how much collaboration really happens behind the scenes at the Statehouse, what it takes to be a productive partner across party lines, and whether compromise can actually lead to better outcomes for Ohio families. Senator Blessing also shares how becoming a father shaped the way he approaches family policy and the issues Ohio parents are raising with him.
At American Motherhood, we believe being an informed voter means looking beyond party labels and understanding not only what our elected officials believe, but how they lead, listen, and work with others.
Grab your coffee and join us for a conversation about bipartisanship, leadership, and what it means to find common ground in Ohio.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
1h 11m - Aug 12, 2026 - The Campaigns Behind the Candidates
Before we sit down with Ohio's candidates, we wanted to better understand the campaigns behind them.
At American Motherhood, we believe civic engagement starts with curiosity. Who actually runs a political campaign? What rules do campaigns operate under? And how can busy parents meaningfully support the leaders they believe in?
In this episode, Bethany and guest co-host Hayley are joined by Louise Valentine, a mom, nonprofit leader, advocate, and political strategist who works with female candidates across Central Ohio. Together, we pull back the curtain on campaign operations, volunteer involvement, fundraising, messaging, and the realities of running for office.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. It also explores an idea many of us don't consider enough. If we want strong leaders representing our communities, what responsibility do we have to help make that possible?
Whether you're deeply involved in politics or just beginning your civic journey, American Motherhood invites you to learn alongside us as we explore the people, policies, and processes shaping our families, our communities, and our future.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
49m - Jun 17, 2026 - Can Ohio finally get paid family leave? With Senator Dr. Beth Liston
Most of us don't think about family leave until we suddenly need it, and by then it's too late to plan. For millions of Ohio workers, that moment of need is met with an uncomfortable truth: your job may be protected, but your paycheck is not.
In this episode, Bethany sits down with Senator Dr. Beth Liston, physician, legislator, and mother, to talk about Ohio Senate Bill 369, a proposed paid family leave program that could fundamentally change how Ohio workers navigate some of life's most demanding moments. From the birth of a child to a serious illness to caring for an aging parent, SB 369 aims to ensure that taking time away from work doesn't mean choosing between your family and your financial stability.
We break down what FMLA actually guarantees today, what it doesn't, and why so many Ohio families are left doing impossible math at the worst possible time. Then we get into the bill itself: who would be covered, what wage replacement would look like, how the program would be funded, and the exemptions built in for small businesses. We also explore why paid family leave is not just a family issue, it's a workforce and economic issue.
Senator Liston is candid about the political landscape, what feels different about this moment, and why the path forward depends heavily on the coalition - and the everyday Ohioans - rallying around the issue. This one is personal, and we talk about what you can do to fight for the future of working mothers and families.
Resources:
Groundwork OHIO: The Case for Paid Family Leave in Ohio
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
26m - May 28, 2026 - Schoolhouse Series: When City and Schools Align
In the final episode of American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Edition, Yana Doughty closes the series with a focused look at how strong communities are built through powerful partnerships, as illustrated between the Ohio City of Westerville and Westerville City Schools.
Our guest, Monica Dupee, Westerville City Manager, shares how city leadership and the school district work together to support families, expand student opportunity, and strengthen long-term community stability.
Across this series, we have unpacked the systems behind education, including funding, policy, and governance, while consistently returning to the same core idea. Strong schools are built through informed questions, engaged parents, and aligned community partners, yourself included.
If you've ever felt like your voice does not matter or that these systems are too complicated to engage with, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be an expert to participate. You just have to stay informed, ask questions, and show up.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
16m - May 21, 2026 - Schoolhouse Series: Inside the School Budget
In this episode of the Schoolhouse Series from American Motherhood, Yana is joined by Steve Osborne for a conversation about how public school budgets actually work.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in school finance, Osborne explains how district budgets are structured, where funding is allocated, and what drives rising costs in areas such as instruction, transportation, special education, facilities, and safety. The episode also examines common misconceptions surrounding administrative spending, local control, and school funding flexibility.
Designed as a practical guide for parents and community members, this conversation offers a clearer understanding of the financial realities shaping today’s public schools.
Resources: Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
28m - May 13, 2026 - Bridging the Gap: Motherhood & Civic Life
Bridging the Gap: Motherhood and Civic Life is a live panel conversation from American Motherhood exploring how moms navigate the intersection of parenting and public life. In this special episode, panelists Kimberly Blair, Jamille Jones, Kelley Stocker, and Kristin Sutton, alongside moderator, Ohio House Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, reflect on what it means to stay engaged in civic spaces while raising a family - whether that’s staying informed, attending local meetings, volunteering, advocating, running for office, or simply having more intentional conversations in everyday life.
We’re grateful to our panelists, moderator, and the moms who joined us in person to be part of this dialogue, and we’re honored to share it with you. Our hope is that this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged, validated, and equipped to find your own way of engaging in civic life in a way that fits your season of motherhood.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
1h 23m - May 9, 2026 - Schoolhouse Series: The Cost of a Student
Welcome back to the Schoolhouse Series with American Motherhood. In this episode, Yana is joined by former Ohio legislator and longtime education policy expert, Stephen Dyer, to break down what “fair school funding” really means.
Stephen cuts through the noise to explain the difference between equity and equality, why students cost different amounts to educate, and how Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan was designed to address those realities. We also tackle EdChoice, what it is, how it’s funded, and why it’s become such a point of tension for public school districts across the state.
Beyond policy, this conversation gets into power and accountability. Who actually makes school funding decisions, how do these choices affect local classrooms, and why voters should be paying attention, even in high-performing districts.
Stephen brings urgency and conviction, reminding us that public education depends on informed, engaged communities. His message is clear: hold our elected leaders accountable, organize, and speak up.
Because school funding isn’t just policy, it’s a reflection of what we value and what we’re willing to fight for.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
25m - Apr 29, 2026 - Schoolhouse Series: Local Taxes, Local Schools
In this episode of The Schoolhouse Series, we sit down with Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano to better understand one of the most debated issues in our community: property taxes.
We break down how property values are determined, what a property tax bill actually represents, and how those dollars are distributed. We also explain why rising home values do not automatically translate into increased funding for schools - and why districts must still return to voters for levies.
Most parents are regularly asked to vote on school funding, yet few are given a clear understanding of how the system works. American Motherhood exists to make these complex issues more accessible and easier to navigate.
Episode resources:
Stay apprised of the 2026 Triennial Property Value Update: FranklinCountyAuditor.com/KYHV
Learn how an upcoming or recently passed levy will impact your property taxes with the Value of Your Vote website: franklincountyauditor.com/LevyEstimator
15m - Apr 22, 2026 - Schoolhouse Series: Is education a priority in Ohio?
In this episode of American Motherhood, we’re joined by Dr. Christina Collins, Founder and Executive Director of Honesty for Ohio Education, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing clarity and transparency to how Ohio schools are funded.
Dr. Collins offers thoughtful, grounded insight into how Ohio’s school funding system impacts real classrooms and communities, while addressing how culture wars create common misconceptions that often shape public perception. With a career dedicated to education, and as a former member of the Ohio State Board of Education, she walks us through the core questions many parents have about school funding. What do your property taxes actually fund inside a school? Why do Ohio districts rely so heavily on local taxes? What happens when the school levy fails?
This episode is designed to give parents a clearer understanding of the system behind our education system so that we can confidently get engaged in the decisions that shape it.
Subscribe to the American Motherhood podcast and follow on Instagram.
Learn more about Honesty for Ohio Education.
20m - Apr 16, 2026
