Special guest Liz O'Neil-Wong (Manchester Board of School Committee, Ward 11) joins Spill the Goods to talk about her experience as an educator and the complexities of measuring student achievement. The conversation this episode delves into the topic of measuring student success, exploring the limitations of standardized testing and the importance of alternative measures. It also discusses the iReady assessment in Manchester and the role of grades in determining student success. The conversation covers the importance of a holistic approach to education, including competency-based grading, the impact of home life on education, trauma-informed education, societal expectations on schools, the role of parents in a student's progress, and the importance of empathy and understanding in education.

Takeaways

• Measuring student success goes beyond standardized tests
• Importance of alternative measures of success Competency-based grading system
• Importance of holistic approach to education

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 05:13 Challenges with Standardized Testing
• 12:19 Grades and Student Success
• 17:54 Trauma-Informed Education
• 23:01 Student Involvement in Conferences

Visit us at: Spill the Goods

The conversation delves into the creation of budgets, the impact of property taxes, the tax cap, and the budget process. It also covers the recent Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, highlighting the urgency of finalizing the budget. The conversation delves into the impact of budget underfunding on city services, highlighting the implications for roads, schools, and public programs. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement in budget decisions and encourages citizens to engage with local officials to voice their concerns and preferences.

Takeaways

• Budget creation process
• Impact of property taxes; Budget underfunding impacts city services
• Importance of community involvement in budget decisions

References

Property Taxes in NH: How They Work and How They Compare by Phil Sletten, NH Fiscal Policy Institute, April 9, 2026

Tax Cap Language, City Charter, The City of Manchester, NH

BoMA Meeting Minutes and Agendas

March 26, 2026 Mayor's Budget Presentation

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Budgets
• 11:45 Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting

23:18 Community Involvement in Budget Decisions

Visit us at: www.spillthegoods603.com

Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin introduce their podcast 'Spill the Goods' and discuss the importance of local engagement and awareness. They also share personal stories and plans for future episodes, including a candidate forum and soliciting questions from the community.

Takeaways

• Local engagement is crucial
• Jess and Cristina will host a CD1 Democratic candidate forum, 05/13/26

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to 'Spill the Goods' Podcast
• 05:35 Childhood and Interests
• 16:49 Purpose of 'Spill the Goods' Podcast and Future Plans