Season 5, Episode 11 | Ashling Kelly Preston

In this special unedited edition of The Next Class, hosts Rob Birdsell and Erin Barisano welcome Ashling Kelly Preston, Associate Director of Government Relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Recorded just days after the House passed historic federal school choice legislation, Ashling unpacks what this landmark moment means for Catholic schools nationwide. She details the structure, reach, and next steps of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), its impact on families in every educational setting, and how Catholic institutions can prepare for what's ahead. A must-listen for diocesan leaders and school administrators navigating policy and funding strategy.