The Keystone Education Report is a dynamic program produced by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) that brings together the voices shaping public education in the commonwealth. Each episode will feature in-depth, conversational interviews with key education stakeholders — superintendents, school board directors, administrators, legislators and other influential leaders — as they explore the most pressing issues facing our schools today. Following the interviews, we will host a thought-provoking panel discussion, where diverse perspectives come together to spark ideas, share solutions and inspire action.
Elevating the conversation on public education in the commonwealth
The Keystone Education Report (KER) is a dynamic program by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) that highlights the voices shaping public education in Pennsylvania. Each episode features engaging interviews with superintendents, school board members, legislators and other key leaders, offering insights into the challenges and innovations impacting schools across the commonwealth.
What makes KER unique?
KER goes beyond the headlines. It offers a platform for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful exchange. After each interview segment, the program transitions to a panel discussion where diverse perspectives are brought to the table. These discussions are designed to:
- Explore the most pressing issues facing public education today.
- Share practical solutions and innovative strategies.
- Encourage collaboration among education professionals and policymakers.
- Inspire action and advocacy at the local and state levels.
Why it matters
With evolving student needs, shifting policy landscapes and increasing demands on schools, it’s more important than ever to foster informed conversations and collaborative problem-solving. KER provides a space where these conversations can thrive — grounded in experience, driven by data and focused on solutions.
Watch the most recent episode here
The September episode of Keystone Education Report takes listeners inside the policy decisions shaping Pennsylvania classrooms today and in the years ahead. Dr. Carrie Rowe, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, brings a timely discussion on state budget investments, structured literacy, digital and information literacy, AI readiness and strategies to strengthen the educator workforce. Drawing on 25 years of experience in public education, including service as a school superintendent, Dr. Rowe shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Pennsylvania schools and the policies designed to support student success. Tune in to the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) at 7:00 p.m. on September 16 and 23 to catch this month’s episode or watch it on PSBA’s YouTube channel.
Panelists
A visionary leader in public education, Dr. Carrie Rowe brings 25 years of public education experience to her role as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In this role, she provides guidance, support and oversight to partners in the pre-K–12 field on topics ranging from structured literacy, educational stability, workforce needs, teacher recruitment and retention, and student mental health and well-being.
Dr. Rowe advocates for policies and programs that provide college and career pathways for every student, especially those that include access to expansive dual credit opportunities, high-intensity summer learning and multilingual programs.
Before joining PDE, Dr. Rowe served as a school superintendent in the western region of the state. Throughout her career, she has focused on ensuring fairness and justice in resource allocation and eliminating institutional barriers to access and opportunity.
Host
Nathan G. Mains
Show Producer
Torie Tezik
Video Producer
Cody Roadcap
Special Thanks
Alec Petrillo
Christina Griffiths
Erika Houser
Fawn McClure
Jackie Inouye
Mackenzie Christ
Madison Griffith
Megan Orehek