Topic: Solar energy
Interview of Dale Cushinberry, May 21, 2025
Interviewed by Mark Tallman
In his interview, Mr. Dale Cushinberry describes how other adults in his life provided opportunities for him and led him to a career in education in the Topeka area. He has taught elementary school, coached basketball and counseled students. He moved into school administration as a principal when he spent 4 years at Highland Park High School as assistant principal. Washburn University offered him a position in the Education department where he stayed 7 years. Throughout his career, he has tried to also have a positive influence on his students’ lives. Mr. Cushinberry Show Morestates that “…our kids are victims of our system failures. Systems that fail around them, whether it be the home front, whether it be our school, whether it be our churches, on and on.” He believes that “It’s our job to create an environment, to create a culture where our kids can meet success.” He created that environment at Highland Park High School as its principal for 16 years. His interview discusses his strategies and his philosophy for working with students and their families. Show Less
Interview of Connie Hubbell, May 21, 2025
Interviewed by Mark Tallman
Connie Hubbell is well-known in state government circles as an effective advocate for education, mental health and health care for seniors. She ran for the state board of education, winning three terms and later served as President of the National State Boards of Education organization. One of her significant accomplishments while on the Kansas state board was leading the board to mandate human sexuality aids education in Kansas public schools. Another was the inclusion of special education students into regular classrooms which began under her leadership of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Show MoreShe followed that experience with a run for Lt. Governor on the ticket with gubernatorial hopeful Senator Fred Kerr. Although they were not successful, three governors have subsequently noticed her management skills and offered her positions in their administrations, beginning with Governor Graves who appointed her Secretary of Aging. She has been an effective lobbyist for health care organizations, retiring as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in 2021. Show Less