Building Schools That Give Every Child a Fair Shot: Marlon Marshall on The SALA Series

What if every child in America had access to a high-quality public education—regardless of their zip code?

It's a simple question with profound implications. It's the driving force behind Marlon Marshall's work at City Fund. In this episode of The SALA Series Podcast, Marlon sits down with host Dalen Cuff. Together, they explore one of America's most critical challenges: ensuring our public school system works for every student.

From St. Louis to the National Stage

Marlon's commitment to education reform isn't abstract—it's personal. Growing up in St. Louis, Marlon's parents shaped his lifelong belief in the transformative power of education. That belief has guided him throughout his career: his time in the Obama White House, his emergence as an influential voice in school reform, and his current mission at City Fund. At City Fund, he works to help build innovative public schools that give parents the freedom to choose what's right for their child's unique needs, no matter their zip code.

The Hard Conversations We Need to Have

In this episode, Marlon doesn't shy away from the tensions and complexities facing American education today. He digs into:

Accountability and transparency. "We need tangible data to know how schools are doing," Marlon explains. "The system can be transparent to parents and say, 'This is how we're performing to prepare your kid for life after the K-12 system.' Then the parent can make the choice that's best for their kid." When families have clear data about school performance, they can make informed decisions about what's best for their children.

The politics of curriculum and choice. From local school board meetings to national policy debates, Marlon and Dalen discuss the importance of voting. Communities must feel empowered to participate in local elections because school board races and local votes directly shape what happens in our classrooms.

The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher

As Marlon puts it: "If we had a great school system in every community across the country, think about what the future holds."

This isn't just about test scores or graduation rates. This conversation examines how public education shapes more than just individual students. When we transform the systems that help all students realize their potential, our cities become more prosperous. Our country becomes smarter and stronger.

Listen to the full episode: The SALA Series Podcast