In a timely and fiery episode of Granite State Live, streamed on September 9, 2025, education advocate Jody Underwood joined hosts Keith Hanson and Julian. Other panelists, Kevin Tyson and Ian Underwood, were also there. They dissected the alarming state of New Hampshire’s public schools. With the ongoing funding debacle in Claremont serving as a stark backdrop, the discussion peeled back the layers of systemic failures. It also spotlighted untapped opportunities for transformative reform. As someone deeply invested in empowering parents and fostering innovative learning environments, Jody’s insights cut straight to the heart of what ails our education system. She also addressed how we can fix it.
The Problem with Public Schools
The episode dove headfirst into the chaos that’s gripping public education. Jody painted a vivid picture of schools overburdened by bureaucracy, outdated mandates, and a funding model that’s more punitive than productive. Claremont’s plight, in particular, emerged as a case study in dysfunction. It’s a district mired in ballooning costs and declining outcomes. Meanwhile, taxpayers foot an ever-growing bill without seeing real results. “This isn’t just a funding disaster—it’s a symptom of a broken monopoly that’s failed our kids,” Jody emphasized. This echoed sentiments that resonate with families across the Granite State.
Claremont’s Funding Crisis
But here’s where the conversation turned from critique to catalyst. Joined by Kevin Tyson, whose expertise in policy and community advocacy added sharp edges to the debate, the panel explored how Claremont’s crisis could be the spark for genuine change. Jody championed school choice as the linchpin—empowering parents to opt out of failing districts. They can choose tailored, high-quality alternatives like charter schools, micro-schools, and homeschool hybrids. She highlighted emerging models that prioritize personalized learning over one-size-fits-all curricula. Drawing on New Hampshire’s own innovative pilots, she argued that reform isn’t a pipe dream. It’s within reach if we dismantle the barriers holding it back.
Ian Underwood brought a fresh, intergenerational lens to the table. He underscored how today’s funding fights will shape tomorrow’s workforce. Together, they called for legislative overhauls: transparent budgeting, performance-based funding, and incentives for districts that deliver measurable gains in student achievement. It’s a blueprint aligning perfectly with EdOpt’s mission—to equip families with the tools and knowledge to navigate and improve education options in the state.
The full episode, hosted on Rumble, is a must-watch for anyone frustrated with the status quo.