This Educational Life

Budgets are tight, costs are rising, and schools are expected to do more with less. But what if the challenge isn’t just about money, but how it’s used?

In this episode of This Educational Life, host Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, sits down with Dr. Curtis Chesick, Assistant Superintendent of Operations at Ozark Public Schools, to discuss how his district tackled funding challenges head-on. From leveraging federal incentives to creative budgeting strategies, Curtis shares how Ozark transformed aging buildings, optimized energy efficiency, and unlocked unexpected savings, all without breaking the bank.

In this episode, we explore:

🔹 How can schools make the most of limited funding?
🔹 What innovative solutions are helping districts cut costs?
🔹 How does energy efficiency impact both budgets and student learning?

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Got a topic or question? Email us at thiseducationallife@trane.com and check out our show page here for more info.

Trane does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material is for informational purposes only and it should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax law is subject to continual change. All decisions are your responsibility and you should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors. Trane disclaims any responsibility for actions taken on the material presented

What is This Educational Life?

Welcome to This Educational Life by Trane, a podcast that explores the challenges and triumphs of Superintendents and educators in K-12 education.

A school is more than just four walls and a roof – it’s an impactful learning tool for students. Taking on the challenge of improving educational facilities today and leaving them better is no easy task, that’s why we’re putting together a blueprint for the school of tomorrow.

We're looking at pioneering school districts who transform school buildings with sustainable, green solutions, saving millions of dollars through more energy-efficient infrastructure. All the while giving students access to new skill development opportunities and a safer, more comfortable environment. Get ready for thought-provoking conversations with educational leaders across the country.

In this season, we take on the most pressing issues facing K-12 education and explore how innovative solutions are creating better learning environments. We drill into each obstacle, and understand the step-by-step actions taken to overcome it. From decarbonizing school facilities to unlocking thousands in educational grants and utility incentives, we showcase practical, real-world actions that are improving school operations and leaving lasting impacts.

Hosted by Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Programs Leader for Trane, Mariah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for innovation and growth. Each episode features real stories from Superintendents and educational leaders who’ve faced and overcome challenges. You hear how they secured federal grants, improved career pathways in STEM, and created sustainable systems that ensure schools continue to thrive for generations to come. And, we hear directly from the students about how these solutions are shaping their education and opening doors for the future.

This Educational Life turns big challenges into practical solutions, offering a blueprint that not only addresses today’s problems but also sets schools up for long-term success. It’s not just about designing the school of the future—it’s about solving problems today so future generations can inherit schools that are better, stronger, and more sustainable.

Tune in every two weeks to This Educational Life, where together, we’re creating the schools of the future, today.