In Episode 42 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with Gail Rothman, Executive Director of the Newton Education Foundation (NEF), for an enlightening conversation about the foundation’s impressive progress in supporting local schools. They discuss NEF’s achievements, including raising nearly half a million dollars through donations and the Georgia Peach Tax Credit, funding teacher grants, and launching the REAP literacy pilot program in Newton County schools. Gail also shares her journey as the author of Roadmap for Education Foundations, a practical guide aimed at helping communities build and grow their own education foundations.

This episode highlights the critical role that community-driven funding plays in public education, especially as state and federal contributions continue to fall short. Gail offers valuable insights on the power of nonprofits and the necessity of professional leadership to drive success. Whether you’re interested in supporting education in Newton County or learning about the intricacies of nonprofit work, this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 40 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Abigail Coggin, the current Board Chair and District 5 Representative on the Newton County Board of Education. With 15 years of service, Abigail reflects on her time navigating the challenges of school funding, the tough decisions made during the recession, and the evolving needs of the school district. She shares her personal journey, including her family’s deep-rooted legacy in Newton County and the lessons learned throughout her tenure. In a surprising twist, Abigail announces that she will not seek re-election in 2026, marking a new chapter in her life.

Abigail also opens up about her upcoming transition to becoming the Executive Director of the Newton County Arts Association, where she plans to continue her service to the community through the arts. With a focus on educational and performing arts programs, Abigail highlights upcoming initiatives like summer camps and concert series that aim to foster creativity and bring the community together. This episode is filled with heartfelt reflections, personal stories, and a look at the bright future of both education and the arts in Newton County.

In Episode 39 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Lindsay Dycus, the Executive Director of Alcovy CASA, Inc., to discuss the vital work of child advocacy in Newton and Walton counties. Alcovy CASA trains and supports community volunteers to act as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in foster care, ensuring they have a consistent, caring adult in their lives. Lindsay shares her journey in child welfare, the importance of consistency in volunteerism, and how CASA volunteers help reunite families and advocate for the best interests of children in the system.

This episode highlights the transformative power of advocacy, with real-life stories of how CASA has helped children find stability and healing in difficult circumstances. Lindsay also explains how CASA is funded and how listeners can get involved—whether through volunteering or donations—to continue making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. Tune in to learn more about how you can support this incredible organization and make a lasting impact on your community.