This site requires JavaScript to be enabled. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings, or upgrade to a modern browser.

Kurt Dronebarger Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss Directing White County Schools

Loading player...

Ben Rodgers welcomes Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools in White County. With over 27 years in education, Kurt shares insights from his decade leading the district, where all eight schools have consistently earned top academic marks. He talks about the challenges and rewards of public education, the impact of enrollment changes, and why he believes in strengthening—not defunding—our public schools. Listeners will also hear about his passion for soccer and the joy of coaching alongside his son. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and commitment to students.

Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today!

17 Oct 9AM English United States Society & Culture · Education

Other recent episodes

Josh Wanamaker Joins Tiffany Anton To Discuss The Inspiration Behind Opening Flat Foot Records

Tiffany Anton sits down with Josh Wanamaker, musician and co-owner of Flat Foot Records, McMinnville’s newly opened local record store located just steps from the historic Park Theatre on Main Street. Josh shares the inspiration behind opening the shop, his favorite places to hunt for vinyl, and what sets Flat…

17 Dec 9AM 32 min

Penny Meadows Joins Jeremy Wendt To Discuss How Early Education Changes Lives

Host Jeremy Wendt sits down with Penny Meadows, Director of LBJNC Head Start, to talk about how early education is changing lives across the region. Penny shares her journey from volunteering as a Head Start parent in Crawford to leading the program that now serves 80 children in four Upper…

16 Dec 9AM 33 min

Justin Cantrell Joins George Halford To Share His Incredible Journey From Addiction To Sobriety & His Faith

Narcan trainer and recovery advocate Justin Cantrell joins us to share his remarkable journey from childhood trauma and addiction to nearly a decade of sobriety and service. Born and raised in DeKalb County, Justin opens up about his struggles with substance use, incarceration, and faith—and how those experiences now fuel…

15 Dec 9AM 32 min

Michael Hodge Joins Brad Halfacre To Discuss Picket CCC Memorial State Park & Dark Sky Parks

Brad Halfacre sits down with Michael Hodge from Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to explore what makes it one of Tennessee’s treasured International Dark Sky Parks. Michael explains why winter skies are clearer, which constellations shine brightest this time of year, and dives into the science behind what we see…

13 Dec 9AM 15 min

Johnathon Williams Joins Ben Rodgers To Discuss His Lifelong Commitment To Service

Ben Rodgers sits down with Putnam County Commissioner Jonathan A.D. Williams, whose journey from Chicago to the Marine Corps to Cookeville shaped a lifelong commitment to service. Williams shares how his upbringing, military career, and years in law enforcement inspired his passion for local government and community leadership. Now a…

12 Dec 9AM 33 min

All episodes