Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, host Katie Jubenville brings listeners conversations from the A4LE Georgia Chapter Conference on Jekyll Island. Guests explore what "Radically Student Centered™" design truly means, the everyday details students notice that adults overlook, partnerships between design firms and educators, and creative problem-solving during construction — plus some fun local picks for how they'd spend a day on Jekyll Island. Our guests, in order of appearnace: Namrata Dani, AIA: Corgan Architect Jill Hackett: Turner & Townsend Heery Director Jesse Frasier: Turner & Townsend Heery...

Learning by Region at A4LE Northeast

This episode comes from the A4LE Northeast Regional Conference in Rochester, New York, hosted by Jessica Westerduin. Guests discuss indicators of a successful school building, what it would mean to walk into their designs 20 years from now, the value of stakeholder collaboration, the role of flexible furniture and adaptability, and the challenges school leaders face guiding their communities through transitions and long-term visioning. Our special guests, in order of appearance: Lemuer Perez M.A. ED.: University Academy Charter High School Educational Consultant Matthew Gallerani, AIA:...

Learning by Region at A4LE Midwest Great Lakes

Better Learning Podcast

This episode, hosted by Matt Rogers and Katie Jubenville, features conversations from the A4LE Midwest Great Lakes Regional Conference in St. Louis. Guests compare favorite landmarks to the Gateway Arch, then dig into what "radically student-centered" design means, sharing stories about maximizing impact beyond simple building replacement, engaging students and communities in the design process, and what separates schools that merely function from those that truly transform their communities. Our guests, in order of appearance: Josh Chism, PE, CEM: Capital AE President Nicole Esser Dryden:...

Learning by Region at A4LE Southern

Better Learning Podcast

This episode features conversations recorded at the A4LE Southern Regional Conference in Austin, Texas, hosted by Dr. Brian McCraw and Nick Marmolejo. Guests dig into themes like community-driven design processes, trauma-informed design, furniture and flexible learning spaces, the overuse of "learning stairs," strong architect-educator partnerships, and what truly makes a school thrive versus merely function. Our guests, in order of appearance: Jody Sergi, AIA, LEED AP: Kirksey Architecture Partner and Director, PK-12 Practice Cody Boyd, AIA: PBK Senior Principal Olivia Graf:...

Learning by Region at A4LE Southeast

Better Learning Podcast

This episode, hosted by Katie Jubenville, takes listeners on the road to the A4LE Southeast Regional Conference, featuring conversations with architects, educators, and facility planners about creating better learning environments. Guests discuss what it means to be "radically student-centered," the messages school buildings send to students and teachers, exciting trends in school design, and how to elevate teacher practice and gauge whether a school is thriving. Our guests, in order of appearance: Paulette Myers: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Architect Matthew Pierzchala, AIA, NCARB,...

AI, Agency & the Future of Education with Dr. Sabba Quidwai

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools, joins the Better Learning Podcast to explore how educators, students, and communities can navigate AI with hope instead of fear. Drawing on her own path from history teacher to Apple to education consultant, she shares how districts like Roseville Joint Union High School District are bringing students, staff, and community members together to co-design AI-era graduate profiles — and why courageous leadership, shared culture, and storytelling matter more than any specific technology. Takeaways: Hope is a teachable skill, not just...

Designing Schools Kids Are Proud Of with Amanda Vottis

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin talks with Amanda Vottis, an architectural designer at Mosaic Architects with over 12 years of experience in K-12 educational design. Amanda shares her winding path into school architecture, her philosophy of "radically student-centered" design, and a deep dive into the multi-year Saratoga Springs School District project — a "legacy" renovation initiative built on an educational plan shaped by community input, teacher feedback, and student voice. The conversation explores how thoughtful design (learning stairs, breakout...

Reimagining School Operations with Dr. Heather Sánchez

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, Jeff Kubiak sits down with Dr. Heather Sánchez, Deputy Superintendent of the Bellevue School District in Washington, to explore what it looks like to lead a large public school district from both the instructional and operational sides of the house. Drawing on 26 years in education — from a border-town middle school teacher in New Mexico to overseeing HR, finance, facilities, transportation, and more — Dr. Sánchez shares how Bellevue is centering community voice in everything from strategic planning to building design, and why the most transformative ideas often start...

Lessons From 27 Years of Building Better Schools with Larry Levato

Better Learning Podcast

Mark Barga talks with Larry Levato, veteran educational architect at Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, about what it really takes to design schools that serve students, teachers, and communities alike — and why the process matters as much as the product. Takeaways: Design for teachers too. Educators spend more time in school buildings than students. Great design treats teaching as a craft that deserves a professional environment. Listen before you design. Client relationships and deep listening are the foundation of every successful project — not design vision alone. Slow down to...

Building a Middle School that Supports Student Learning with James Liebman

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin sits down with James Liebman, senior associate at HMFH Architects, to explore how thoughtful school design can elevate student wellbeing, foster belonging, and support great teaching. Drawing on 30 years in architecture — from higher education to K–12 — James shares how the physical environment either supports or hinders learning, and how architects can create spaces that truly center students. Using the Maria Weston Chapman Middle School in Weymouth, Massachusetts as a case study, James walks through the design...

More Episodes

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Mark Barga sits down with Dr. Tim Matlack (superintendent), Ken Bonkoski (director of facilities), and Phil Leinbach (architect, EM Architects) to tell the story of Antietam School District's response to a catastrophic flash flood on July 9, 2023 — and how a small, resource-limited district turned disaster into opportunity.

Episode Takeaways:

Crisis demands rapid, creative pivoting. When floodwaters destroyed 110,000 sq. ft. of educational space housing grades 7-12 and the district office — with FEMA providing zero financial assistance — the team had to improvise immediately. Students were relocated to a church, a neighboring elementary building, and eventually modular units, all while school opened on time that fall.
Institutional trust is the foundation of effective school construction. With a decades-long relationship between the district and EM Architects, the team could move fast without losing alignment. Phil's advice: don't discard your architect like swapping doctors — that institutional knowledge of budgets, building history, and community context is irreplaceable.
Flood-resilient design is possible, not just theoretical. The new Stony Creek Elementary is being built eight feet above the breach point of the 2023 flood, with solid creek-facing walls, storm water infrastructure, and a simplified rectangular footprint — giving the community genuine confidence without making promises nobody can guarantee.
A strong school culture is built on shared purpose, not just shared hardship. Staff, neighboring districts (Exeter SD), community volunteers, and the National Guard all rallied around the district. Tim credits the faculty's family-like culture — which predates the flood — as the reason the district bent but didn't break.
Flexibility is the greatest ability in school design and leadership. Phil's maxim: "Be like Gumby — bend, don't break." Ken's approach: don't get overwhelmed by the mountain in front of you; prioritize logistically, stay calm (mostly), own your mistakes, and keep moving. Tim's anchor: shared values around student outcomes are what let a team push through frustration and disagreement.

About Dr. Tim Matlack:

It was a singular honor for Dr. Timothy A. Matlack to rejoin the Mounts community in the role of Superintendent. From 2007-2022, he was fortunate enough to serve in a number of roles within the Antietam School District.

For ten years, Dr. Matlack taught at the Middle-Senior High School in the Language Arts Department. For the next five years, he was given the opportunity to be an Assistant Principal K-12, Athletic Director and Curriculum Supervisor. In that time, he came to understand Antietam for the unique, supportive and tenacious community that it is.

From 2022-2024, while he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at Tulpehocken Area School District, he thought often of Antietam and leapt at the opportunity to return as the Superintendent.

About Ken Bonkoski:

Ken Bonkoski is a facilities and maintenance professional based in Reading, Pennsylvania, known for his dedicated service in public education. He serves as the Facilities Manager for the Antietam School District, where he oversees building operations and ensures a safe, functional environment for students and staff.

In addition to his work in education, Bonkoski is the owner of KB Construction, a company he founded in 1996. Through decades of hands-on experience, he has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail across a wide range of construction and maintenance projects.

Bonkoski gained wider recognition after being selected as a 2026 Pennsylvania RISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) Award honoree, a distinction that highlights non-teaching school staff who make exceptional contributions to their communities.

Colleagues and community members praise his strong work ethic and commitment. He is known for going beyond his standard responsibilities—often arriving early and staying late—to keep school facilities running smoothly and to support both students and staff.

About Phil Leinbach:

Philip began his career at AEM Architects in 1991 as a graduate architect and received his PA registration in 1994. He joined ownership of the firm in 2000 and ascended to President in 2012.

Philip’s background is in construction having worked for the family construction company prior to attending college. For over 35 years, his architectural philosophy has centered around the concept that the greatest design is worthless if it cannot be constructed effectively and efficiently by the skilled contractors in the local marketplace. He is a hands-on professional focused on creating programmatic and operational value for his clients and providing responsive construction administration that is critical to the success of all projects.

Episode 334 of the Better Learning Podcast

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

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Better Learning Podcast

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