Explore every episode of the podcast 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?

Follow This Educational Life so you never miss an episode! New episodes are released every two weeks.

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

How do you prepare students for jobs that might not exist yet?

In our first episode of This Educational Life, host Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, sits down with Ben Sego, a former NASA engineer turned school board member. Ben brings a unique STEM-focused perspective to education - one shaped by a career spent working on cutting-edge technology for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the Navy.

In this episode, we explore:
🔹 Why STEM education isn’t just for engineers, it’s for everyone
🔹 How Ben’s district is using resourceful innovation to make STEM accessible
🔹 The power of industry partnerships in shaping real-world learning experiences
🔹 How schools can give students a competitive edge with hands-on skills and certifications

Listen now to discover how STEM education can empower students, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation for whatever comes next.

🎧 Follow This Educational Life for more insights on the future of education. Have thoughts or ideas? Email us at thiseducationalife@trane.com.

Welcome to This Educational Life, a podcast by Trane exploring the biggest challenges in education - and the bold solutions shaping the future.

Hosted by Mariah Presley, we sit down with school leaders, educators, and industry experts to talk funding, facilities, technology, and more. How are schools maximizing resources, improving learning spaces, and preparing students for what’s next? And how can collaborations with industry help?

If you’re a school leader, educator, or just passionate about the future of education, hit play and join us for the conversations shaping This Educational Life.

Brought to you by Trane Commercial, part of Trane Technologies, a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions and energy services tailored for commercial environments. 

Follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts!