Can a Docuseries Change the Way Communities Think About School Infrastructure Reform?

School infrastructure in the United States is in a critical condition. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an estimated 54% of public school districts report needing upgrades or replacements for multiple building systems, such as HVAC, roofing, and structural elements. In a few states (like Idaho), the situation is compounded by laws requiring a two-thirds supermajority for school bond measures to pass, often leaving communities unable to secure the funding needed for repairs.

So, how can media and storytelling shift the conversation from supply-side solutions to demand-driven transformation in education, especially when it comes to school infrastructure?

In this episode of The Future of Education, host Michael Horn is joined by Kevin Stoller, the CEO of Kay-Twelve and founder of the Second Class Foundation. Together, they explore how storytelling can fuel grassroots demand for better learning environments—and why the next wave of school change might start on your Netflix queue.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• Shifting Mindsets Through Space: Kevin shares his journey from running a school furniture company to realizing that learning spaces shape student engagement, and ultimately, educational outcomes.
• Extreme Makeover, School Edition: The Second Class Foundation’s new docuseries What We Show Them aims to spark change by showing what’s possible—and what’s broken—through powerful stories of real schools across the country.
• Changing Perceptions to Create Pressure: The series targets not just educators, but everyday viewers, aiming to build widespread community support for school transformation by showing what’s missing—and what could be.

Kevin Stoller is a mission-driven entrepreneur dedicated to transforming education through strategic leadership and innovation. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kay-Twelve, a company that redesigns learning environments, and also serves as Executive Director of the Education Leaders’ Organization and Board President of the Second Class Foundation, a nonprofit focused on media-driven educational reform. With expertise in business strategy and entrepreneurship, Kevin has built a career at the intersection of design, leadership development, and storytelling in education.