In this episode, we sat down with two incredible educators, Melissa Long and Heather Arbogast, to talk about a topic that’s impacting families across the state — the massive proposed cuts to West Virginia’s public education system. With over 70 staff positions on the line in Raleigh County alone, including teachers, counselors, and more, it’s time to ask: what does the future of public schooling really look like here?
Fighting for Students in a Broken System
Melissa and Heather, both seasoned educators with 11 years of experience each, opened up about the challenges they’re facing — not just as teachers and counselors, but as people fighting every day for their students’ well-being in a system that feels like it’s crumbling.
“We’re expected to be everything — teacher, counselor, social worker — all while the support around us keeps getting smaller.”
From split classrooms becoming the new normal to the pressures counselors face dealing with kids battling poverty, abuse, and crisis at home, this conversation doesn’t hold back.
The Hope (and Hurdles) of the HOPE Scholarship
We also dove deep into the HOPE Scholarship — a state program that’s changing the educational landscape by offering families funding to pursue private education or homeschooling. Sounds great, right? Well, maybe not so simple.
“The idea behind it makes sense — giving families options — but the reality is it drains what little we have left in public schools.”
Melissa, Heather, and Josie break down the real-world impact of programs like this, especially when public schools are already scraping by with minimal funding and overloaded classrooms.
There’s a lot of heart, honesty, and a little bit of heartbreak in this conversation. But more than anything, there’s a strong sense of hope that things can change — if we’re willing to listen, learn, and advocate for the kids who depend on us most.
Pull up a desk. Class is in session — and this is one you don’t want to skip.
