Not Bored of Education Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/not-bored-of-education Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge and Andrew Cole is your go-to podcast for everything happening in Cobb County schools. From breaking down school board meetings to highlighting student achievements and pressing education issues, we bring you the facts—without the fluff. Whether it's policies impacting classrooms, how tax dollars are being spent, or the voices that deserve to be heard, we’re here to keep you informed and engaged. Because education isn’t just about schools—it’s about our community, our future, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table. Tune in and stay in the know! © 2026 Laura Judge 745fac3e-422d-5204-b89b-4bfcdd001e7b yes Not Bored of Education Teaser en Wed, 20 May 2026 13:50:09 -0400 Wed, 20 May 2026 13:51:43 -0400 https://notboredofeducation.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/i92x1YeQRNeFZmj-bB1V5yFCwp3_gXSgK4s0RXvWzCk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mM2Jj/MGZlNjhjYmE2Mjc1/MTgwNmFlMWY5ZTYx/OGMwYy5QTkc.jpg Not Bored of Education https://notboredofeducation.com episodic Laura Judge Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge and Andrew Cole is your go-to podcast for everything happening in Cobb County schools. From breaking down school board meetings to highlighting student achievements and pressing education issues, we bring you the facts—without the fluff. Whether it's policies impacting classrooms, how tax dollars are being spent, or the voices that deserve to be heard, we’re here to keep you informed and engaged. Because education isn’t just about schools—it’s about our community, our future, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table. Tune in and stay in the know! Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge and Andrew Cole is your go-to podcast for everything happening in Cobb County schools. school board, education, schools Content Monsta No No Episode 8 – Dogs, Dollars, and Disappearing Accountability 8 8 Episode 8 – Dogs, Dollars, and Disappearing Accountability full 240a9257-5598-4e25-ac66-671070f93642 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4eae465 In this episode, Laura and Andrew unpack the November Cobb County School Board meeting — from expanding the Vapor Wake canine program to the ethics silence surrounding Board Member and Vice-Chair Cristadoro.

They break down:

  • The ethics issue raised by Cristadoro’s consent judgment involving $250,000 in client funds.
  • Why the board chair’s defense statement didn’t represent all members.
  • Concerns over transparency, misuse of funds, and trust in leadership.
  • The rushed $2 million vote for more detection dogs — without data or public answers.
  • Ongoing bus maintenance and safety issues still brushed aside.
  • A bipartisan win adding mental health and meal support to legislative priorities.

They close with personal stories of gratitude, service, and the continued reminder:
 Every student deserves a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> In this episode, Laura and Andrew unpack the November Cobb County School Board meeting — from expanding the Vapor Wake canine program to the ethics silence surrounding Board Member and Vice-Chair Cristadoro.

They break down:

  • The ethics issue raised by Cristadoro’s consent judgment involving $250,000 in client funds.
  • Why the board chair’s defense statement didn’t represent all members.
  • Concerns over transparency, misuse of funds, and trust in leadership.
  • The rushed $2 million vote for more detection dogs — without data or public answers.
  • Ongoing bus maintenance and safety issues still brushed aside.
  • A bipartisan win adding mental health and meal support to legislative priorities.

They close with personal stories of gratitude, service, and the continued reminder:
 Every student deserves a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Laura Judge Laura Judge 4443 In this episode, Laura and Andrew unpack the November Cobb County School Board meeting — from expanding the Vapor Wake canine program to the ethics silence surrounding Board Member and Vice-Chair Cristadoro.

They break down:

  • The ethics issue raised by Cristadoro’s consent judgment involving $250,000 in client funds.
  • Why the board chair’s defense statement didn’t represent all members.
  • Concerns over transparency, misuse of funds, and trust in leadership.
  • The rushed $2 million vote for more detection dogs — without data or public answers.
  • Ongoing bus maintenance and safety issues still brushed aside.
  • A bipartisan win adding mental health and meal support to legislative priorities.

They close with personal stories of gratitude, service, and the continued reminder:
 Every student deserves a voice, and every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> school board, education, schools No Cookie Jars and Public Trust: When School Board Ethics Crumble 7 7 Cookie Jars and Public Trust: When School Board Ethics Crumble full 5f220f66-33d7-416a-bd1b-9f1befd7d707 https://share.transistor.fm/s/41ffec41 In this episode, Laura and Andrew are joined by Watching the Funds Cobb co-founder Heather Tolley-Bauer to dig into the growing trust deficit in the Cobb County School Board, sparked by board member John Cristadoro’s civil fraud case.

Heather explains how Cristadoro misused $250,000 in client funds and why that matters when he is now helping oversee nearly $3 billion in taxpayer money. The conversation breaks down the risks of partisan decision-making, the board’s silence, and the troubling fact that Cristadoro, as vice-chair, currently chairs the district’s audit committee despite his financial misconduct.


Key discussion points include:

  • The direct connection between private financial behavior and public responsibility
  • Why this situation concerns people across political backgrounds
  • How community trust is damaged when oversight is handled by people who avoid transparency
  • What the board can realistically do, such as revisiting leadership roles and initiating internal ethics steps, and what they cannot do, including removing Cristadoro from office without his resignation
  • How this controversy is distracting from real issues like bus safety, food insecurity, staff support, and budget decisions

Heather also shares a positive student spotlight that highlights Pope High School’s Globalization Academy, creative school community events, and a meaningful story about her son’s dedication to showing up for his school, even when he was the only student in the stands.


“Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.”

]]> In this episode, Laura and Andrew are joined by Watching the Funds Cobb co-founder Heather Tolley-Bauer to dig into the growing trust deficit in the Cobb County School Board, sparked by board member John Cristadoro’s civil fraud case.

Heather explains how Cristadoro misused $250,000 in client funds and why that matters when he is now helping oversee nearly $3 billion in taxpayer money. The conversation breaks down the risks of partisan decision-making, the board’s silence, and the troubling fact that Cristadoro, as vice-chair, currently chairs the district’s audit committee despite his financial misconduct.


Key discussion points include:

  • The direct connection between private financial behavior and public responsibility
  • Why this situation concerns people across political backgrounds
  • How community trust is damaged when oversight is handled by people who avoid transparency
  • What the board can realistically do, such as revisiting leadership roles and initiating internal ethics steps, and what they cannot do, including removing Cristadoro from office without his resignation
  • How this controversy is distracting from real issues like bus safety, food insecurity, staff support, and budget decisions

Heather also shares a positive student spotlight that highlights Pope High School’s Globalization Academy, creative school community events, and a meaningful story about her son’s dedication to showing up for his school, even when he was the only student in the stands.


“Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.”

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:57:24 -0500 Laura Judge Laura Judge 4200 In this episode, Laura and Andrew are joined by Watching the Funds Cobb co-founder Heather Tolley-Bauer to dig into the growing trust deficit in the Cobb County School Board, sparked by board member John Cristadoro’s civil fraud case.

Heather explains how Cristadoro misused $250,000 in client funds and why that matters when he is now helping oversee nearly $3 billion in taxpayer money. The conversation breaks down the risks of partisan decision-making, the board’s silence, and the troubling fact that Cristadoro, as vice-chair, currently chairs the district’s audit committee despite his financial misconduct.


Key discussion points include:

  • The direct connection between private financial behavior and public responsibility
  • Why this situation concerns people across political backgrounds
  • How community trust is damaged when oversight is handled by people who avoid transparency
  • What the board can realistically do, such as revisiting leadership roles and initiating internal ethics steps, and what they cannot do, including removing Cristadoro from office without his resignation
  • How this controversy is distracting from real issues like bus safety, food insecurity, staff support, and budget decisions

Heather also shares a positive student spotlight that highlights Pope High School’s Globalization Academy, creative school community events, and a meaningful story about her son’s dedication to showing up for his school, even when he was the only student in the stands.


“Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.”

]]> school board, education, schools No Maps, Misinformation, and Motivation 6 6 Maps, Misinformation, and Motivation full 3de39e48-8951-489a-9b1c-40f4bcb7e7d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aef0c92f In this episode, Laura and Andrew welcome parent and advocate Micheal Garza to unpack the real story behind the Cobb County school board redistricting lawsuit that was quietly dropped and why that’s not the “win” the district claimed. Micheal breaks down how over $2 million in taxpayer dollars were spent defending a map that wasn’t just legally questionable. It silenced the voting power of over 100,000 residents and diluted representation for Cobb’s Black and Latino communities.

Micheal also uses this conversation to announce his campaign for Cobb County School Board, Post 4, challenging current board chair David Chastain. He shares why the current board’s pattern of division, censorship, and disengagement pushed him to run and how his vision focuses on bringing communities together, supporting teachers, and rebuilding trust.


Other topics include:

  • The firing of teachers over political speech and the district’s double standard
  • Bus safety and maintenance failures impacting students with IEPs
  • The ongoing impact of federal SNAP program cuts on Cobb students
  • Why partisanship, propaganda, and PR aren’t substitutes for real leadership
  • How PTA-level collaboration models what the board should aspire to

Plus: a heartwarming student spotlight on special education teachers creating inclusive learning experiences supported directly by Micheal’s local PTA.

Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> In this episode, Laura and Andrew welcome parent and advocate Micheal Garza to unpack the real story behind the Cobb County school board redistricting lawsuit that was quietly dropped and why that’s not the “win” the district claimed. Micheal breaks down how over $2 million in taxpayer dollars were spent defending a map that wasn’t just legally questionable. It silenced the voting power of over 100,000 residents and diluted representation for Cobb’s Black and Latino communities.

Micheal also uses this conversation to announce his campaign for Cobb County School Board, Post 4, challenging current board chair David Chastain. He shares why the current board’s pattern of division, censorship, and disengagement pushed him to run and how his vision focuses on bringing communities together, supporting teachers, and rebuilding trust.


Other topics include:

  • The firing of teachers over political speech and the district’s double standard
  • Bus safety and maintenance failures impacting students with IEPs
  • The ongoing impact of federal SNAP program cuts on Cobb students
  • Why partisanship, propaganda, and PR aren’t substitutes for real leadership
  • How PTA-level collaboration models what the board should aspire to

Plus: a heartwarming student spotlight on special education teachers creating inclusive learning experiences supported directly by Micheal’s local PTA.

Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500 Laura Judge Laura Judge 4321 In this episode, Laura and Andrew welcome parent and advocate Micheal Garza to unpack the real story behind the Cobb County school board redistricting lawsuit that was quietly dropped and why that’s not the “win” the district claimed. Micheal breaks down how over $2 million in taxpayer dollars were spent defending a map that wasn’t just legally questionable. It silenced the voting power of over 100,000 residents and diluted representation for Cobb’s Black and Latino communities.

Micheal also uses this conversation to announce his campaign for Cobb County School Board, Post 4, challenging current board chair David Chastain. He shares why the current board’s pattern of division, censorship, and disengagement pushed him to run and how his vision focuses on bringing communities together, supporting teachers, and rebuilding trust.


Other topics include:

  • The firing of teachers over political speech and the district’s double standard
  • Bus safety and maintenance failures impacting students with IEPs
  • The ongoing impact of federal SNAP program cuts on Cobb students
  • Why partisanship, propaganda, and PR aren’t substitutes for real leadership
  • How PTA-level collaboration models what the board should aspire to

Plus: a heartwarming student spotlight on special education teachers creating inclusive learning experiences supported directly by Micheal’s local PTA.

Every student deserves a voice. Every voice deserves to be heard.

]]> school board, education, schools No Silenced & Spotlighted: Cobb’s PR Moves and the Power of Public Voice 5 5 Silenced & Spotlighted: Cobb’s PR Moves and the Power of Public Voice full f38dd256-6132-4f19-897d-95394f665f9d https://share.transistor.fm/s/abe74716 Laura Judge and Andrew Cole return to break down major changes in the Cobb County School District—starting with the controversial decision to remove public comment broadcasts from school board meetings. They explore what this means for transparency and community trust, and why keeping public voices in the spotlight matters more than ever. The episode also dives into the district's new PR strategy, where official communications increasingly feature select board members, raising questions about representation and fairness. Laura and Andrew wrap up with a personal look at the first day of school and new tech initiatives in classrooms—balancing concern with optimism, and always centering students.

]]> Laura Judge and Andrew Cole return to break down major changes in the Cobb County School District—starting with the controversial decision to remove public comment broadcasts from school board meetings. They explore what this means for transparency and community trust, and why keeping public voices in the spotlight matters more than ever. The episode also dives into the district's new PR strategy, where official communications increasingly feature select board members, raising questions about representation and fairness. Laura and Andrew wrap up with a personal look at the first day of school and new tech initiatives in classrooms—balancing concern with optimism, and always centering students.

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Laura Judge Laura Judge 5931 Laura Judge and Andrew Cole return to break down major changes in the Cobb County School District—starting with the controversial decision to remove public comment broadcasts from school board meetings. They explore what this means for transparency and community trust, and why keeping public voices in the spotlight matters more than ever. The episode also dives into the district's new PR strategy, where official communications increasingly feature select board members, raising questions about representation and fairness. Laura and Andrew wrap up with a personal look at the first day of school and new tech initiatives in classrooms—balancing concern with optimism, and always centering students.

]]> school board, education, schools No Budgets, Buses & Big Wins – April Board Meeting Recap 4 4 Budgets, Buses & Big Wins – April Board Meeting Recap full 2b58138b-ab20-4135-81b3-945f0087a70d https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d8da066 Laura and Andrew unpack the key moments from the April 24th Cobb County School Board meeting, starting with the district’s tentative FY2026 budget and how transparency around spending remains a challenge. They discuss public comments from the bus fleet and maintenance crew, who raised concerns about pay, workload, and equipment—highlighting the critical role they play in student safety. Laura and Andrew also explore recent construction and safety approvals, including Vapor Wake K-9 purchases, and how the district communicates funding decisions. The episode wraps with recognition of outstanding student achievements in academics, arts, and athletics—including state championship wins and national competition awards—and a reminder that advocacy and celebration go hand in hand when it comes to strong public schools.

]]> Laura and Andrew unpack the key moments from the April 24th Cobb County School Board meeting, starting with the district’s tentative FY2026 budget and how transparency around spending remains a challenge. They discuss public comments from the bus fleet and maintenance crew, who raised concerns about pay, workload, and equipment—highlighting the critical role they play in student safety. Laura and Andrew also explore recent construction and safety approvals, including Vapor Wake K-9 purchases, and how the district communicates funding decisions. The episode wraps with recognition of outstanding student achievements in academics, arts, and athletics—including state championship wins and national competition awards—and a reminder that advocacy and celebration go hand in hand when it comes to strong public schools.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Laura Judge Laura Judge 3989 Laura and Andrew unpack the key moments from the April 24th Cobb County School Board meeting, starting with the district’s tentative FY2026 budget and how transparency around spending remains a challenge. They discuss public comments from the bus fleet and maintenance crew, who raised concerns about pay, workload, and equipment—highlighting the critical role they play in student safety. Laura and Andrew also explore recent construction and safety approvals, including Vapor Wake K-9 purchases, and how the district communicates funding decisions. The episode wraps with recognition of outstanding student achievements in academics, arts, and athletics—including state championship wins and national competition awards—and a reminder that advocacy and celebration go hand in hand when it comes to strong public schools.

]]> school board, education, schools No Money, Books & Big Decisions – March Board Meeting Recap 3 3 Money, Books & Big Decisions – March Board Meeting Recap full fee458f4-7c3c-461b-ba71-033fb3466e33 https://share.transistor.fm/s/626740cc Laura and Andrew break down the key takeaways from the March 20th Cobb County School Board meeting. Topics include the board’s approval of multiple construction projects and the continued removal of books—this time Dead End by Jason Myers. They also discuss the superintendent’s pay raise, concerns raised by parents over antisemitism and the dismissal of Campbell High School coaches, and the board’s response to the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act (SB 233). Plus, a quick review at the announcement of upcoming school safety sessions by The Servius Group.

]]> Laura and Andrew break down the key takeaways from the March 20th Cobb County School Board meeting. Topics include the board’s approval of multiple construction projects and the continued removal of books—this time Dead End by Jason Myers. They also discuss the superintendent’s pay raise, concerns raised by parents over antisemitism and the dismissal of Campbell High School coaches, and the board’s response to the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act (SB 233). Plus, a quick review at the announcement of upcoming school safety sessions by The Servius Group.

]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Laura Judge Laura Judge 4720 Laura and Andrew break down the key takeaways from the March 20th Cobb County School Board meeting. Topics include the board’s approval of multiple construction projects and the continued removal of books—this time Dead End by Jason Myers. They also discuss the superintendent’s pay raise, concerns raised by parents over antisemitism and the dismissal of Campbell High School coaches, and the board’s response to the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act (SB 233). Plus, a quick review at the announcement of upcoming school safety sessions by The Servius Group.

]]> school board, education, schools No Who’s in Charge? Understanding the School Board & Legislative Impacts 2 2 Who’s in Charge? Understanding the School Board & Legislative Impacts full e60d56fd-2ee8-4216-9f0a-31fda1b4e199 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aff2a44a Laura and Andrew break down how the Cobb County Board of Education operates, what powers board members actually have, and where oversight is lacking. They also discuss state legislative bills that could directly impact local school boards and possibly shift decision-making power away from communities. Plus, this week’s Student Spotlight!

]]> Laura and Andrew break down how the Cobb County Board of Education operates, what powers board members actually have, and where oversight is lacking. They also discuss state legislative bills that could directly impact local school boards and possibly shift decision-making power away from communities. Plus, this week’s Student Spotlight!

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Laura Judge Laura Judge 3202 Laura and Andrew break down how the Cobb County Board of Education operates, what powers board members actually have, and where oversight is lacking. They also discuss state legislative bills that could directly impact local school boards and possibly shift decision-making power away from communities. Plus, this week’s Student Spotlight!

]]> school board, education, schools No Cobb’s February School Board Decisions: Safety, Leadership & Future Plans 1 1 Cobb’s February School Board Decisions: Safety, Leadership & Future Plans full c631dc7a-f83c-44c6-9ec1-2a56cd269486 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c5f3845 Laura and Andrew break down the latest updates from the February 13th Cobb County School Board meeting, including the introduction of Vapor Wake K9s for school security, the superintendent’s contract extension, and plans for a new Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) building. The discussion looks into what these changes mean for students, parents, and taxpayers. Plus, a special highlight on the East Cobb County Council PTA’s Teachers of the Year and Certified Employees of the Year, recognizing the educators making a real impact in our schools.

]]> Laura and Andrew break down the latest updates from the February 13th Cobb County School Board meeting, including the introduction of Vapor Wake K9s for school security, the superintendent’s contract extension, and plans for a new Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) building. The discussion looks into what these changes mean for students, parents, and taxpayers. Plus, a special highlight on the East Cobb County Council PTA’s Teachers of the Year and Certified Employees of the Year, recognizing the educators making a real impact in our schools.

]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Laura Judge Laura Judge 2856 Laura and Andrew break down the latest updates from the February 13th Cobb County School Board meeting, including the introduction of Vapor Wake K9s for school security, the superintendent’s contract extension, and plans for a new Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) building. The discussion looks into what these changes mean for students, parents, and taxpayers. Plus, a special highlight on the East Cobb County Council PTA’s Teachers of the Year and Certified Employees of the Year, recognizing the educators making a real impact in our schools.

]]> school board, education, schools No Not Bored of Education Teaser 1 1 Not Bored of Education Teaser trailer 21ef7292-6679-479f-89a8-8d9e1037f4d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8d481bb 🎙 Welcome to Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge & Andrew Cole! 🎙

In this teaser episode, we introduce Not Bored of Education, the podcast that keeps you informed about what’s really happening in Cobb County schools. From breaking down school board meetings to celebrating student successes and tackling the big issues in education, we’re here to bring transparency, accountability, and real conversations to the community.

📌 What to Expect:
✔️ School board meeting breakdowns
✔️ How policies impact students, parents, and teachers
✔️ Where your tax dollars are going
✔️ Stories of student and school achievements
✔️ How you can get involved

Education affects all of us—so let’s talk about it! Subscribe now and join us for the first full episode coming soon.

📩 Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know in the comments!

#NotBoredOfEducation #CobbSchools #EducationMatters #SchoolBoard #CommunityVoices

]]> 🎙 Welcome to Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge & Andrew Cole! 🎙

In this teaser episode, we introduce Not Bored of Education, the podcast that keeps you informed about what’s really happening in Cobb County schools. From breaking down school board meetings to celebrating student successes and tackling the big issues in education, we’re here to bring transparency, accountability, and real conversations to the community.

📌 What to Expect:
✔️ School board meeting breakdowns
✔️ How policies impact students, parents, and teachers
✔️ Where your tax dollars are going
✔️ Stories of student and school achievements
✔️ How you can get involved

Education affects all of us—so let’s talk about it! Subscribe now and join us for the first full episode coming soon.

📩 Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know in the comments!

#NotBoredOfEducation #CobbSchools #EducationMatters #SchoolBoard #CommunityVoices

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:59:44 -0500 Laura Judge Laura Judge 167 🎙 Welcome to Not Bored of Education with Laura Judge & Andrew Cole! 🎙

In this teaser episode, we introduce Not Bored of Education, the podcast that keeps you informed about what’s really happening in Cobb County schools. From breaking down school board meetings to celebrating student successes and tackling the big issues in education, we’re here to bring transparency, accountability, and real conversations to the community.

📌 What to Expect:
✔️ School board meeting breakdowns
✔️ How policies impact students, parents, and teachers
✔️ Where your tax dollars are going
✔️ Stories of student and school achievements
✔️ How you can get involved

Education affects all of us—so let’s talk about it! Subscribe now and join us for the first full episode coming soon.

📩 Have a topic you want us to cover? Let us know in the comments!

#NotBoredOfEducation #CobbSchools #EducationMatters #SchoolBoard #CommunityVoices

]]> school board, education, schools No