Education doesn’t just matter to students and families—it impacts all of us. From local economies to neighborhood stability, the realities of our education system ripple far beyond the classroom. That’s why BackPack Press is launching the UnPacked Podcast, a new weekly series dedicated to breaking down big issues in education with honesty, clarity, and real voices from inside schools.
Each week, UnPacked takes complex topics like programming, services, budgets, infrastructure, and data and makes them accessible through thoughtful, school-centered conversations. More importantly, these episodes don’t just talk about education—they amplify the voices of those closest to it: teachers, administrators, students, and community leaders.
Why is this important? Because education affects everyone. Even if you don’t have kids in school, what happens inside classrooms influences workforce readiness, property values, and community well-being. Schools are the heart of our communities, and understanding the challenges and opportunities they face helps us all move forward together.
The first episode, split into a four-part series, is available now. Explore intermediate school districts (ISDs) in Michigan—what they are, how they’re governed, their history, and how funding works. These conversations provide a clearer picture of an often-overlooked but essential part of our state’s education system.
New episodes will be released weekly, shining a light on the issues that matter most in our schools and beyond.
Listen now at backpackpress.org/unpacked
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BackPack Press is proud to introduce the UnPacked Podcast, a weekly series that breaks down the big issues in education with clarity and transparency. Featuring student voices and the “feet on the ground” perspectives of those working in schools every day, UnPacked explores how education impacts not just families, but entire communities.
Students and staff in the Educational Careers program at Wilson Talent Center are making a statement each Wednesday—one color at a time. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, they wore purple and teal to show solidarity, support, and strength in the face of mental health challenges.
