In this episode of the West Ada School District Podcast, we go behind the scenes of the West Ada Education Foundation (WAEF) — the nonprofit driving classroom innovation and student support across Idaho’s largest school district.

Our guests, Jamie Burton, Executive Director, and Lila Lake, Grant Coordinator, share how the Foundation connects community generosity with real classroom needs. Together, they explore how WAEF funds creativity, removes barriers to learning, and builds partnerships that empower teachers and help every student thrive.

💡 Hear inspiring stories of Classroom Innovation Grants, teacher creativity, and student success — plus how WAEF collaborates with district leaders, educators, and local businesses to ensure every learner in West Ada has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

🎥 Want to see the Foundation’s impact in action? Watch this moving testimonial video highlighting how community support transforms student's lives: https://youtu.be/QZuiMaiPbNY

📬 Contacts: For grants, partnerships, or other inquiries, reach Jamie Burton at Burton.Jamie@westada.org
and Lila Lake at grants@westada.org

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can get involved, support classroom excellence, and make a lasting impact for West Ada students.

If you’re a parent, student, or teacher, you might not know the people who make our schools such great places to learn. In this episode of the West Ada Podcast, we’re spotlighting the dedicated teams who keep our schools safe, clean, and running every day — the Facilities and Custodial Services departments of the West Ada School District.

Spencer Mclean, Director of Facilities, and Tawnya Hulbert, Custodial Supervisor, share how they manage building maintenance, custodial operations, and emergency response across 382 square miles of the district — serving more than 38,000 students.

They discuss major modernization projects, energy-efficiency upgrades, and sustainability efforts that make our schools healthier, safer, and better places to learn. From HVAC and lighting improvements to innovative cleaning tools and custodial training, Spencer and Tawnya explain how their work directly supports student success.

Finally, they reflect on West Ada’s continued growth and new construction, how they prepare teams for new campuses, and their shared vision for the future of facilities in education.

🎥 Take a look behind the scenes of the Lake Hazel Middle School renovation → Watch on YouTube

📚 Learn more about our Schools of Choice programs and how to enroll → westada.org/enrollment-schools-of-choice

#WeAreWestAda #FacilitiesManagement #CustodialServices #SafeSchools #SustainableSchools #InnovationInEducation #K12Education

In this episode of 🎧 The West Ada Podcast student leaders Ray Gauthier, ASB Co-President at Eagle High School 🦅, and Maddi Waggoner, ASB Secretary at Centennial High School 🎓, share what it’s really like to be a high school student and leader in 2025.

Maddi and Ray talk about their journeys through West Ada schools, what inspired them to join student council, and how their experiences have shaped their views on leadership, school culture, and student life. They discuss the impact of technology and social media, adapting to the no-phones-in-classrooms policy, and how they strive to make every student’s voice heard.

They also reflect on highlights like the Student Leadership Summit and graduation downtown, offering real insight into how today’s students are leading, adapting, and preparing for life after high school.

💬 Join us for an authentic, student-led conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of education in the West Ada School District.

To learn more about our Schools of Choice programs and how to enroll ➡️ https://www.westada.org/page/enrollment-schools-of-choice

#WeAreWestAda #StudentLeadership #StudentVoice #WASDLeadership #EagleHighSchool #CentennialHighSchool #FutureLeaders #HighSchoolLife #EducationPodcast #VoicesThatMatter