Brit + Co Community Voices: Will Betsy DeVos Leave Public Schools and Kids Behind?

This article is part of our B+C Community Voices project. All of these stories come from our readers in response to our request for op-eds from different viewpoints. This one comes from Casey Boland who is a Dallas-based teacher, a student of life, a world traveler, and a fierce advocate for education for all.

Humanity fascinates me, and I am in love with it. People are my passion, so I chose to see to their well-being as my life’s vocation and mission. This commitment (and my skillset) drew me like a magnet to public education, where I have been for 18 years.

I live my passion in a spot on the globe that is an endearing mix of old-school and progressive, sinners and saints, innovative pragmatism and absurd clusterf***ery. We have Daughters of the American Revolution members and refugees, McMansions and shantytowns, religious zealots and hard-core atheists. And my respect for the people who make up this mini-UN borders on reverence.

So when Betsy DeVos was appointed as Secretary of Education, every protective instinct in my body came alive. Mrs. DeVos is a loud and proud supporter of pulling funds away from the vast majority of students to give to a small, already privileged few. She advocates a private charter system that demonstrably harms all students, but especially the poor and educationally fragile. She gleefully supports siphoning these public funds to bankroll conservative Christian private schools. And the rotten cherry on top? She has absolutely no experience with public schools – neither as a student, parent, nor educator. The disrespect this appointment shows to voters and students and parents and teachers is evident in the myriad of angry town hall meetings, op-eds, and articles. In the spirit of “choice,”, let me unpack my points, and you decide.

1. It was disrespectful to voters. A huge group of bipartisan voters from all over the country made it clear to Senators that they didn’t want someone so clearly unqualified to be confirmed. Even ignoring her lack of any public school experience, Mrs. DeVos demonstrated her lack of understanding of the ins and outs of public education in her oral and written testimonies. Had those been her answers in a job interview for a public-school position, she wouldn’t have been hired by any credible administration. Despite knowing these concerns, 50 Senators voted against the expressed wishes of their constituents, and Vice President Pence backed them up. That is unsettling in a democracy.

Case in point: Google “Dallas Senator Gets Salty with Richardson Students During a School Choice Talk”. He was in a public discussion with PTA parents and students from schools in his district. You don’t even have to read the article; just watch the video and let the Senator’s words and demeanor speak for themselves.

2. It was disrespectful to public school employees, who now have a “CEO” who is not qualified to be their leader. Imagine if your boss passed over qualified applicants to put his inexperienced son-in-law in charge of your business. That would show a lack of respect for the talent and mission of the qualified employees. Practically speaking, how would anyone with no firsthand working knowledge of public education make good decisions for most of our kids? Because educating our kids is ultimately what this is all about. Secretary DeVos doesn’t know the true scope and breadth of what public schools are tasked with doing, which is educating EVERYONE. She doesn’t know the challenges of the vast diversity, the crushing and illogical standards (which private organizations don’t have to meet), and the inadequate funding, given all that public schools are expected to do. Her main qualification seem to be that she is on board with taking scarce resources away from the schools that try to educate most American kids, in order to give a supplement to a small group of schools that cater to a comparative handful of kids. (This is what “school choice/vouchers” will effectively mean.)

3. It was disrespectful to public school students and parents. Think about a time your child had an unqualified teacher, principal, or coach. It’s doubtful you felt respected by that district for giving someone you view as incompetent authority over your child. Now imagine you had proof through her words and deeds of this employee’s incompetence. Imagine this employee also had the inclination and power to take needed resources away from your child. Imagine you and other parents had documented these concerns and frequently brought them to the Board’s attention, yet they doubled down on the decision to keep this educator in her job. The disrespect you would’ve experienced would have been palpable, and you would have a legitimate concern that the district didn’t have the best interest of your kids as their motivation. Now replace “teacher, principal, or coach” with DeVos, and here we are.

4. It was disrespectful to those who fought against the discriminatory practices of “local control.” Ask parents of students with disabilities how long and hard they had to fight local control in order to get a proper education for their children. Ask people of color if they want to go back to local control of the socio-economic makeup of schools. Ask free-exercise clause advocates if they want to go back to local control of religion in public schools. The federal government has had to step in when local communities could not or would not play fair. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) exists because local school districts wouldn’t provide adequate access nor education opportunities for students with disabilities. Brown vs Board of Education and the federal laws that sprang from it had to happen because local communities actively resisted integration and equal education for all. Engel vs Vitale had to become the law of the land before children were free from local government control of their faith. “Local control” of education sounds fine, until you remember the shade thrown on millions when the federal government was not involved.

5. It’s disrespectful to those who are being fed half-truths about “school choice.” The government is not going to give a family the full cost of sending a child to a private school. In Texas, SB3 is only a “supplement to the full tuition”, or a tax credit. Either way, families will be expected to kick in money most of them don’t have. This idea will only benefit those who are in a position to pay for private schools but want a little help. As for private charter schools, 20+ years of data, including the charter school experiment DeVos lead in Michigan, proved, at best, no more successful than public schools. They leave out that a private institution doesn’t have to accept a kid, and can easily kick a kid out. And, again, they pull scant resources from the vast majority of kids to supplement a few. Politicians are aware that the public is unclear that school choice comes with such a cost, yet they do little to clear up the misconception. They are playing politics with our kids’ futures, and that is disrespectful.

The unrest that has erupted in America was foreseeable. Passions run high when the futures of our kids are at stake. With so many legitimate reasons for Senators to have voted against DeVos’ confirmation, it’s hardly surprising so many are upset that she was confirmed. And it does make you question the intent of those who looked at the whole board and still opted for a choice that only benefits a few.

Brittany and Patrick Mahomes are an NFL "It" couple we can't get enough of, from their enviable friendship with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to their ever-so adorable kids. And when it comes to their kids? Brittany and Patrick don't play around. They've been overjoyed to be parents since day one, and continue to approach their kids with such care and intentionality — including with their incredibly unique names! So, here's everything you should know about this sweet family of five!

Learn more about Patrick & Brittany Mahomes' adorable kids — and their very clever names!

How many kids do Patrick & Brittany Mahomes have?

Instagram/brittanylynne

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes have three kids — Sterling Skye Mahomes, Patrick 'Bronze' Lavon Mahomes III, and Golden Raye Mahomes.

How old are Brittany and Patrick Mahomes' kids?

Instagram/brittanylynne

Sterling is 3, Bronze is 2, and Golden was born yesterday!

How did Brittany and Patrick Mahomes choose their kids names?

Instagram/brittanylynne

Since the arrival of Patrick and Brittany Mahomes' new bundle of joy, fans started to notice something interesting about their kids. Aside from being cute as a button, each of them have very unique baby names. Instead of taking the conventional route, the darling couple decided to pick a theme that feels on par with Patrick's NFL winning streak.

According to E! News, Brittany talked about the theme for her kids names in 2023. While talking about her dogs, she mentioned their names. "I got steel in college and named him after that." Then she admitted she thought about naming their second dog "sterling cause it went with steel perfect."

However, thinking about her future children made her change her mind. "...one day I want that to be daughters name so then we came up with Silver to go with steel."

Once Patrick and Brittany named their first daughter Sterling, the dots connected once they had their son. "...having a boy and him being Patrick Mahomes III, Bronze was just meant to be and went perfect," said Brittany.

We can't wait to learn about the inspiration for baby Golden Raye's name although we have an inkling it still follows the theme of her siblings' names.

What did they almost name 'Bronze?'

Instagram/brittanylynne

Funny enough, 'Bronze' almost had another name! Patrick told PEOPLE, "We were going with Trey at first because the third obviously and everything like that." He then shared his brother Jackson is the mastermind behind his son's name. "I started meeting more and more people with the nickname Trey, and Jackson came up to me and was like, 'What about Bronze?'"

He later said, "I haven't seen anybody else do that...I like it."

What have they said about being parents?

Instagram/brittanylynne

Brittany Mahomes is always shedding light on her role as a mom. Based on this Instagrampost, Brittany adores it. "Thanking the Lord everyday for making me a Mom. My most favorite role and biggest blessings."

Patrick Mahomes doesn't talk about fatherhood as often, but he's still a doting father. When celebrating his daughter's birthday, he wrote a sweet post on Instagram. "Happy 3rd birthday Sterling Skye! You are my 💙! Stop growing up so fast."

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2025 is full of new TV shows, new music, and brand new movies that are already iconic and memorable. From the return of engaging and interesting superhero movies to creative rom-coms and crazy action thrillers, these are the movies you won't want to miss this year. And the best part is that some of these January movies are already out!

Here are the 25 most-anticipated movies of 2025.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — On Netflix Now

Netflix

Wallace and Gromit are finally back! This new movie sees Wallace invent a "smart" gnome...and its slow takeover. When Gromit realizes the gnome is becoming too smart, he has to battle some seriously sinister forces to save the day.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is on Netflix and stars Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, Muzz Khan, and Lenny Henry.

Better Man — In Theaters Now

Paramount Pictures

This isn't your average biopic. The movie tells the story of British popstar Robbie Williams and the highs and lows of fame with his boyband Take That...presenting Robbie as a monkey.

Better Man is in theaters and stars Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes.

The Last Showgirl — In Theaters Now

Roadside Attractions

When showgirl Shelly's show closes suddenly after 30 years, she has to figure out what her future — and her present — looks like. Not only does it feature an insanely talented cast, but it also has new music from Miley Cyrus!

The Last Showgirl is in theaters and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.

Wolf Man — In Theaters January 17, 2025

Nicola Dove/Universal Pictures

We might be getting closer to Valentine's Day, but it's always scary movie season. When a mysterious animal attacks Blake, Charlotte, and their daughter Ginger, they take refuge in a farmhouse. But the animal left its mark — and it doesn't take long for the family to realize they're in a whole new kind of danger.

Wolf Man is in theaters and stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner and Sam Jaeger, Matilda Firth, Benedict Hardie, Ben Prendergast, Zac Chandler, Beatriz Romilly, and Milo Cawthorne.

One of Them Days — In Theaters January 24, 2025

Sony Pictures

This new 2025 movie is the BFF comedy you've been waiting for! Dreux and Alyssa learn Alyssa's BF has spent all their rent money and have to do everything they can to keep their landlord from evicting them. TLDR; I hope this BF becomes an ex by the end of the film.

One of Them Days premieres January 24 and stars Keke Palmer, SZA, Maude Apatow, and Janelle James.

Flight Risk — In Theaters January 24, 2025

Lionsgate

A U.S. Marshall has been tasked with bringing a witness to court, but their flight takes a turn for the dangerous when she realizes their pilot is a hitman with a single target: her charge. This is Michelle Dockery and Mark Wahlberg like you've never seen them.

Flight Risk premieres January 24 and stars Michelle Dockery, Mark Wahlberg, and Topher Grace.

Inheritance — In Theaters January 24, 2025

IFC Films

Maya finds herself in the middle of an international conspiracy after she learns her father used to be a spy. With danger at every time and enough questions to last her a lifetime, Maya sets out on a quest to find out the truth.

Inheritance premieres January 24 and stars Phoebe Dynevor and Rhys Ifans.

You're Cordially Invited — On Prime Video January 30, 2025

Prime Video

Despite planning the perfect destination wedding for her sister, one woman's plans are turned on their head when the venue double books them with a young woman's wedding. With a cast led by Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, this is one new movie you will never forget!

You're Cordially Invited premieres January 30 and stars Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Stony Blyden, Leanne Morgan, Rory Scovel, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Ramona Young, Jack McBrayer, and Celia Weston.

Mickey 17 — In Theaters January 31, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

As an Expendable, Mickey Barnes goes on life-ending mission after mission thanks to his clones. Everything goes according to plan...until two Mickeys survive at the same time.

Mickey 17 premieres January 31 and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Kinda Pregnant — On Netflix February 5, 2025

Scott Yamano/Netflix

When Lainy's best friend announces she's pregnant, Lainy announces hers too! It's perfect! Except for the fact that Lainy's lying to everyone in her life...including a very handsome stranger.

Kinda Pregnant premieres February 5 and stars Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, Alex Moffat, Joel David Moore, Lizze Broadway, Urzila Carlson, Francis Benhamou.

Love Hurts — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures

Ex-criminal Marvin Gable's new life as a Wisconsin realtor gets interrupted when his ex-partner Rose ropes him back into danger.

Love Hurts hits theaters February 7 and stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, and André Eriksen.

Heart Eyes — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Spyglass/Sony Pictures Releasing

Ally and her date have to go on the run when a serial killer called Heart Eyes goes after them as his next victims. According to the synopsis, no couple is safe, so beware if you want to take your SO to the theater.

Heart Eyes premieres February 7 and stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — On Peacock February 13, 2025

Jay Maidment/Universal Pictures

Newly single Bridget is navigating love, life, and motherhood in the wake of Mark's death. And as she heals, she finds herself drawn to the young and handsome Roxster as she also keeps having awkward run-ins into Mr. Wallaker.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy drops on February 13 and stars Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, and Gemma Jones.

Captain America: Brave New World — In Theaters February 14, 2025

Eli Adé/Marvel Studios/Disney

Superhero fatiguebe gone! This new movie is totally taking us back to the Captain America: Winter Soldier vibes and I'm here for it. Sam Wilson is still getting used to being Captain America when a global incident threatens to turn into a global crisis.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres February 14 and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler.

Old Guy — In Theaters February 21, 2025

The Avenue

An older hitman is tasked with training a young recruit to take his place, but their tension becomes hesitant teamwork when they learn their employer set them up.

Old Guy premieres February 21 and stars Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen.

Disney's Live-Action Snow White — In Theaters March 21, 2025

Disney

Following The Little Mermaid(which I haven't been able to stop talking about), Rachel Zegler stars as the live-action Snow White, who's determined to bring justice for her kingdom when the Evil Queen takes over. I can't get enough of Rachel's new song, and the beautiful color palette. C'mon jewel tones!

Snow White hits theaters March 21 and stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.

Thunderbolts* — In Theaters May 2, 2025

Marvel Studios

In Thunderbolts*, Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes are just two anti-heroes who are brought together for a mission from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. But when they realize they weren't supposed to make it out alive, they create a new group to bring her down.

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2 and stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning — In Theaters May 23, 2025

Paramount Pictures

Tom Cruise is out for one last mission in this new movie, where his character Ethan has to find an AI program called The Entity before it falls into the wrong hands. And he's doing everything he can to keep his family safe in the process.

Mission: Impossible 8 hits theaters May 23 and stars Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, and Frederick Schmidt.

Jurassic World: Rebirth — In Theaters July 2, 2025

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

A new team is on a mission to get DNA from the three biggest creatures in the world: one from land, one from the air, and one from sea to save lives in a world that's inhospitable to dinosaurs. But everything changes when they find a shipwrecked family.

Jurassic World: Rebirth premieres July 2 and stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.

Superman — In Theaters July 11, 2025

Warner Bros. Pictures

Comic book fans are going to love this brand new take on Superman (and Clark Kent, TBH, I've never seen someone transform like David does between Clark and Superman!). According to WB, the movie features "a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind."

Superman hits theaters July 11 and stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Sara Sampaio, Pruitt Taylor Vince, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, and Neva Howell.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps — In Theaters July 25, 2025

Pedro Pascal/Instagram

The Fantastic Four are finally joining the MCU, but considering it looks like they're living in the 1960s (and in a different universe), this is a whole new take on the story we haven't seen yet. We also haven't gotten a trailer or teaser yet and I'm already obsessed with the way this cast loves each other.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps hits theaters July 25 and stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby.

Avatar: Fire And Ash — In Theaters December 19, 2025

Disney

After two movies highlighting earth and water, we're getting a fiery third installment. Avatar 3 will show off "a lot more Pandora that you never saw before,” director James Cameron told D23 in Anaheim, California (via Variety). “It’s an insane adventure and a feast for the eyes, but it’s also got very high emotional stakes, more than ever before.”

Avatar: Fire And Ash premieres December 19 and stars Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington.

A Simple Favor 2 — Coming In 2025

Lionsgate

Don't worry A Simple Favor fans! Director Paul Feig just confirmed the new movie isn't delayed. This sequel will see Emily getting married in a crazy destination wedding, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

A Simple Favor 2 is coming in 2025 and stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.

Materialists — Coming in 2025

Frazer Harrison/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

When an NYC matchmaker falls for a wealthy man, she realizes she can't shake her attachment to a certain actor-waiter from her past. Oh, I am so there!

Materialists is coming in 2025 and stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — On Netflix In 2025

Netflix

This new movie involves a graveyard, a new cast of characters, and Benoit Blanc's "most dangerous case yet."

Knives Out 3 is coming in 2025 and stars Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.

See the latest new movie updates on Brit + Co's Movie page. Don't forget to check out which February movies are coming soon!

Starbucks fans, rejoice!Trader Joe’s just dropped an earth-shattering dessert that mimics the coffee chain’s most popular grab-and-go dessert. You’re gonna want to run to TJ’s as soon as possible to see if it’s in stock, because not only is it tasty, it’s also a total steal compared to what you’d typically spend for a sweet treat at Starbucks.

Scroll on to discover the brand-new Trader Joe’s dessert that’s definitely making me rethink my drive-thru habit!

Trader Joe’s

Introducing Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites: bite-sized cake balls baked with a “rich and moist” batter, coated in a white confectionary coating, and tossed in adorable little multicolored sprinkles to maximize snacking joy. Yeah, I’m already obsessed.

Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS

Trader Joe’s crafted their new Sprinkle Cake Bites out of the belief that cake is just too good a dessert to wait for birthdays and anniversaries to eat it – and I wholeheartedly agree. Their small size makes everyday indulgence a possibility, though knowing myself, I could easily eat the entire box!

Starbucks

Now, I’m clearly not one to deny myself something sweet, and my sugar cravings get especially enticed when I roll up to the Starbucks drive-thru for a caffeinated pick-me-up. More often than not, I’ll leave the establishment with not only my typical iced latte, but also a cake pop in-hand. All their cake pops are so delicious, but I also know they’re not necessarily great for my health (or my wallet).

Ivan Samkov / PEXELS

Great news, though: while a singleStarbucks cake popcosts $3.25, this 6-pack (yes, 6!) of Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites is just $3.99. Plus, on average, Starbucks’ cake pops (varying flavors) also contain 160 calories and 16 grams of sugar, while one of the Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites has 120 calories and 13 grams of sugar. The only thing that’s missing from TJ’s iteration is the stick.

Alexander Wark Feeney / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Sprinkle Cake Bites will definitely be on regular rotation in my kitchen, starting now. In addition to mid-workday snacking, I’ll also be snagging some boxes for friends’ birthdays and to share at this year’s Galentine’s Day party!

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