Host Sara Hornick and Community Relations Manager Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with a true pioneer of public education advocacy, Sharon Lee, the founder and former executive director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation. Recorded in Studio 3B at the HomeSlice Media Group, this conversation goes back over 30 years to the very beginnings of the foundation and explores how one idea sparked a lasting movement in education.

Sharon shares the origin story of the foundation how a conversation with local attorneys turned into a mission to support educators through community-driven funding. With warmth, humility, and passion, she reflects on the challenges of gaining community trust, the joy of awarding classroom grants, and the pride she feels in seeing programs like Teacher of the Year and the Evening of Excellence continue to thrive.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that true change in education doesn’t just come from policies or politics, it comes from people who care deeply and act boldly. Sharon’s story is proof that one person’s vision can ignite a legacy that benefits generations of students and teachers.

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just someone who believes in the power of public schools, this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, act locally, and never underestimate the power of a community with a shared purpose.

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