Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin is a product of the Texas Public Policy Foundation that hosts real conversations with real parents from across Texas where they share their experiences, struggles, and victories within the Texas education system. From concerning content in public schools to classroom behavior and wins in homeschooling, Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin covers all aspects of Texas education through the parents eyes—and asks how we can ensure transparency, quality, respect, and choice for all Texas parents, students, and taxpayers.

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#85
October 23 · 54 min
The Red Tape Standing Between Families and Education Freedom
What happens when families gain education freedom, but schools face roadblocks to serving them? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Pastor Wendell Hutchins, founder and senior pastor of Church of Champions in Houston. Hutchins shares the challenges his church’s private school encountered while seeking to participate in Texas’ Education Freedom Accounts program. Their conversation explores barriers facing faith-based schools, the role of churches in education, and the importance of Texas expands school choice.
#84
October 16 · 43 min
Strengthening Literacy in Texas with Robert Pondiscio
How can Texas students be set up for success when it comes to improving literacy and reading comprehension? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, former teacher, and author of How the Other Half Learns. Their conversation explores why improving literacy takes more than phonics, how Texas is building a comprehensive approach to education, and what parents should look for when choosing a school.
#83
October 5 · 45 min
Billion Dollar Bonds with Prof. Philip Harold & James Quintero | Parent Empowerment w/ Mandy Drogin
Irving ISD is asking voters to approve a nearly $1 billion bond package even as student enrollment declines and taxpayers continue to shoulder billions in school district debt. On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin is joined by Philip Harold, professor at the University of Dallas, and TPPF's James Quintero to examine Irving ISD’s proposed $952 million bond, the true cost of school debt once interest is included, and the role architecture, construction, and consulting firms play in promoting massive bond packages. The conversation explores concerns about transparency surrounding the proposal, declining enrollment in Irving ISD, student academic performance, administrative spending, superintendent compensation, and plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on new facilities including a proposed $300 million high school. They also discuss how school bonds can affect Texas property taxes, why taxpayers should know the full principal-and-interest cost before voting, and whether districts should prioritize maintaining existing facilities rather than taking on additional long-term debt. With Texans demanding property tax relief, this episode asks a critical question: Are massive school bonds serving students and taxpayers or the industries that profit from building them? Learn more about taxpayer accountability, property taxes, education reform, and government transparency at TexasPolicy.com.
#82
September 18 · 16 min
Education Freedom Accounts in Action | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin
On this episode of Parent Empowerment, host Mandy Drogin sits down with a Texas mother and two students from City School in Austin to discuss how school choice and Education Freedom Accounts are helping families access an education that meets their unique needs. The students share their experiences with dyslexia, smaller class sizes, hands-on learning, individualized attention, and specialized reading support. Renee Evans, a mother of 3, explains how City School’s faith-based environment and dyslexia resources have helped her children grow academically and gain confidence in the classroom. They also discuss the financial impact of receiving Texas Education Freedom Accounts. With three children who have dyslexia, their education can involve additional expenses such as specialized reading instruction, tutoring, and learning tools. The accounts help cover tuition while freeing up resources for the additional academic support her children need. Later, the students describe how supportive teachers, smaller classrooms, and a close-knit school community have helped them overcome challenges and become more confident learners. Finally, the conversation turns to expanding access to Education Freedom Accounts and giving more Texas parents the ability to choose an educational environment that fits their children’s academic, personal, and religious needs. Watch the full conversation to hear directly from a Texas family about school choice, Education Freedom Accounts, dyslexia education, private schools, faith-based education, and parental involvement in education.
#81
September 11 · 48 min
Restoring Academic Integrity in Texas' Higher Education
How can Texas restore academic integrity into our public higher education? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Dr. Tom Lindsay, a longtime higher education expert and former dean, provost, and college president. Their conversation explores how Texas can restore academic integrity, strengthen core curriculum, and ensure taxpayer-funded universities prepare students for civic and professional life.
#80
September 4 · 15 min
Texas Parents Fighting Back Against The Education Cartel | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin
On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with attorney Justin Nichols to discuss real disputes involving Texas public schools, parental rights, student discipline, and what he describes as the growing power of the Education Cartel. They break down several controversial cases and disputes, including a Frisco ISD student from Israel who was assigned a report on Palestine, a Belton ISD student who was suspended after expressing support for ICE and an interest in federal law enforcement, and a Plano ISD bullying dispute involving students from different social groups. Justin also explains why parents should understand their rights, question school administrators when necessary, and be willing to push back when they believe a school district has overstepped its authority. If you’re a Texas parent concerned about parental rights, public education, student free speech, school accountability, or education reform, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch now and learn why Justin says parents have more power than they may realize. Topics discussed: • Parental rights in Texas public schools • Student free speech and political expression • School discipline and bullying policies • Frisco ISD, Belton ISD, and Plano ISD disputes • Administrative bureaucracy in public education • Holding Texas school districts accountable • Parents standing up for their children Subscribe for more episodes of Parent Empowerment covering Texas education, parental rights, school choice, education reform, and the policies affecting Texas families.
#79
September 1 · 34 min
How Plano ISD Weaponized the Legal System Against Parents
How is the education cartel trying to silence parents that speak up against it? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Laura Cervantes, president of the Jasper High School Choir Booster Club. Laura shares how questioning Plano ISD’s demands escalated into the seizure of the booster club’s funds, her arrest on a felony theft charge, and an ongoing federal lawsuit. The conversation explores school district accountability, school district transparency, and why parents must be prepared to stand up to intimidation.
#79
August 27 · 34 min
How Plano ISD Weaponized the Legal System Against Parents w/ Laura Cervantes
How is the education cartel trying to silence parents that speak up against it? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Laura Cervantes, president of the Jasper High School Choir Booster Club. Laura shares how questioning Plano ISD’s demands escalated into the seizure of the booster club’s funds, her arrest on a felony theft charge, and an ongoing federal lawsuit. The conversation explores school district accountability, school district transparency, and why parents must be prepared to stand up to intimidation.
#78
August 21 · 36 min
Administrative Bloat and Rising Taxes with James Quintero | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin
Texas taxpayers are spending billions on public education but how much of that money is actually reaching teachers and classrooms? In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with James Quintero of TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project to examine administrative bloat in Texas public schools, rising superintendent compensation, and the impact these spending decisions can have on taxpayers. According to data discussed in the episode, Texas public schools spent approximately $19.5 billion on non-teacher compensation, while hundreds of superintendents earn salaries exceeding that of the Governor of Texas. Mandy and James also break down the additional benefits some superintendent contracts include, from vehicle and housing allowances to retirement contributions, bonuses, and other taxpayer-funded perks. The conversation examines several examples from Texas school districts, including superintendent housing arrangements, administrative spending, executive search firms, school district debt, and the relationship between spending and student academic performance. Mandy and James also discuss the dramatic growth of non-teacher staffing in Texas schools, taxpayer-funded lobbying, and why they believe the Texas Legislature should consider stronger guardrails to ensure education dollars are prioritized toward teachers, students, and classrooms. Watch the full episode to learn more about: Texas superintendent salaries and compensation packages Administrative bloat in Texas public schools How education dollars are being spent School district debt and property taxes Superintendent housing and additional benefits Teacher vs. non-teacher staffing growth Student outcomes and administrative spending Taxpayer-funded lobbying Potential reforms for the Texas Legislature Transparency and accountability in Texas school districts Subscribe to Parent Empowerment for more conversations about Texas education, property taxes, parental rights, government accountability, and the policies affecting Texas families.
#77
August 13 · 51 min
The Radical Islamism Influencing Our Schools w/ Rep. Money
How are radical Islamists infiltrating Texas' educational institutions? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Texas State Representative Brent Money. The conversation explores the founding of the Sharia Free Texas Caucus, the threat posed by radical Islamism, infiltration into education and communities, and practical steps Texans can take to protect their state and the next generation.
#76
August 6 · 47 min
Hidden DEI in Higher Education w/ Rep. Cain and Tanner Franklin
How are students facing discrimination and fighting for free speech on college campuses? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain and attorney Tanner Franklin. The conversation explores free speech, the continued influence of DEI practices, and what students and parents can do when they believe a public university has violated their rights.
#75
July 30 · 53 min
Conroe ISD Is Challenging the Education Cartel
How did Conroe ISD's school board challenge the education cartel? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Conroe ISD school board members Misty Odenweller, Nicole May, and Melissa Dungan. They discuss why they are challenging the growing influence of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The four discuss how Conroe ISD is fighting to restore local control, transparency, and accountability in public education.
#74
July 27 · 21 min
Exposing Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying with Ben Crockett | Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin
Exposing the truth about taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas. In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with TPPF policy scholar Ben Crockett to uncover how millions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to lobbying organizations, activist nonprofits, political advocacy groups, and special interests that many Texans never intended to fund. The discussion explores how local governments use public money to finance organizations that lobby elected officials, influence legislation, engage in political activism, and advocate for policies that many taxpayers oppose. Mandy and Ben examine examples from major Texas cities, discuss the growing role of nonprofit organizations in local government spending, and explain why banning taxpayer-funded lobbying has become a top priority for government transparency and accountability advocates. In this episode: What taxpayer-funded lobbying is and how it works Why Texas taxpayers are paying governments to lobby other governments Local government grants to activist organizations The connection between lobbying, political action committees (PACs), and taxpayer dollars Why advocates say government should focus on core services instead of political activism Policy solutions to improve transparency and reduce government waste If you care about property taxes, government accountability, transparency, limited government, and protecting Texas taxpayers, this episode breaks down one of the most controversial issues facing the Texas Legislature. 👍 Like this video if you support government transparency. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: Should taxpayer-funded lobbying be banned in Texas? 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Texas policy, education reform, property taxes, and empowering parents.
#73
July 17 · 54 min
Taking Down the Education Cartel with Carroll ISD Leadership
How did Carroll ISD leadership take on the education cartel and win? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Carroll ISD School Board President Cam Bryan and Vice President Andrew Yeager to discuss how they challenged the education establishment, fought the education cartel, and helped turn Carroll ISD into a model for academic excellence. Cam and Andrew fought to eliminate DEI initiatives, reduce reliance on classroom technology, increase academic achievement, and break away from the influence of organizations like TASB. The two share how strong local leadership can transform public education and put students first.
#72
July 9 · 34 min
How the Bond Process is Being Used Against Taxpayers
Texans are paying more in property taxes, but where is the promised tax relief? In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with Judge Shepard to expose how the Texas school bond process has been hijacked by an education cartel that profits from billions in taxpayer-funded debt. Based on Judge Shepard's groundbreaking research paper this conversation uncovers the network of architects, engineering firms, consultants, lobbyists, and political action committees driving massive school bond elections across Texas. Learn how a handful of firms make small donations to school bond PACs, then receive millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded contracts after bonds pass. The discussion also examines why property tax relief from the Texas Legislature often fails to reach homeowners, how school district debt has ballooned to $236 billion, and what reforms could restore transparency and accountability. In this video: How Texas school bond elections really work The "education cartel" and its financial incentives Why property taxes continue to rise despite legislative tax relief How bond PACs influence local elections The role of architects, engineering firms, consultants, and taxpayer-funded lobbyists Why May bond elections have low voter turnout Proposed reforms to protect Texas taxpayers The controversy surrounding Barbers Hill ISD's Education Foundation Recommendations to increase transparency and stop conflicts of interest If you care about Texas property taxes, school finance, government transparency, education reform, taxpayer rights, or local government accountability, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
#71
July 2 · 26 min
What Education Freedom Means for Texas Families
What happens when Texas families are empowered with educational freedom? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with City School Austin's Head of School Karon Law and board member Travis Reese to discuss how Education Freedom Accounts are creating new opportunities for Texas families and allowing schools to better serve students with diverse learning needs. From supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences to helping low-income families access a high-quality education, City School shares how educational freedom is transforming lives, building student confidence, and expanding opportunities for children across Texas.
#70
June 25 · 39 min
A Former Iranian's Warning for America w/ Julie Ruehle
What can Texans learn from someone who watched their freedom disappear firsthand? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Iranian citizen Julie Ruehle to discuss her experience living through Iran’s Islamic Revolution and the lessons it holds for America today. Julie shares how the Iranian Revolution transformed life for women, silenced political opposition, and dismantled personal freedoms.
#69
June 18 · 22 min
Battling the Big Education Cartel with Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson
Why are Texas property taxes still rising despite record education spending? Why has Texas school district debt ballooned to hundreds of billions of dollars? And how are taxpayer-funded lobbyists, education foundations, and public-private partnerships impacting local taxpayers? In this eye-opening episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Texas State Representative Terri Leo-Wilson (HD-23) joins Mandy to expose what she calls the "education cartel" and the powerful network of school districts, developers, consultants, lobbyists, and special interests driving debt, property tax increases, and political lawfare across Texas. Rep. Leo-Wilson discusses: ✅ Texas school district debt and rising property taxes ✅ Education foundations and financial transparency concerns ✅ Public-private partnership (P3) agreements ✅ Taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas ✅ Political targeting and lawfare against elected officials ✅ School bond elections and local government spending ✅ TEA investigations and accountability efforts ✅ Property tax reform and taxpayer protections ✅ Government transparency and public accountability ✅ The future of education policy in Texas This conversation dives into the intersection of education policy, taxpayer rights, government transparency, school finance, and political influence in Texas. If you're concerned about property taxes, school spending, government accountability, or education reform, this is a discussion you won't want to miss.
#68
June 11 · 35 min
Parents Know Best: Hadley’s Story w/ Hadley & Taryn
Why are Texas parents of special needs students leaving public schools for specialized private options? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Taryn, a mom to Hadley and a paraprofessional at Oak Creek Academy in Killeen, Texas, along with Hadley herself. Taryn shares their powerful journey from frustrating public school experiences, including the loss of sign language support, ineffective “inclusion” practices, limited therapies, and behavioral challenges, to finding real hope at a private school built specifically for students with special needs. They discuss how Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are a lifeline of freedom for parents by direct funding to the environment where their child can thrive, instead of being stuck based on their zip code.
#67
June 4 · 21 min
Qatar’s Grip on Texas Universities with Kate Bierly
What’s really happening with Texas A&M’s ties to the Qatar Foundation, and why should Texans be paying attention? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with TPPF's Kate Bierly to discuss Texas A&M’s Qatar campus and the national security threat it poses for Texas and America. The two dive into the role of soft power, foreign funding, national security concerns, and university transparency and accountability. Mandy and Kate also discuss policy solutions lawmakers can pursue to safeguard Texas institutions.

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