On February 20, 2008, a U.S. Navy ship launched a missile at a crippled satellite — a classified mission known as Operation Burnt Frost. One of the officers behind that historic moment was Santos Muñoz, a decorated U.S. Air Force space and missile officer.

Now, Muñoz is stepping into a new mission: Restoring trust in Loudoun County Public Schools.

In this episode, Santos Muñoz shares his journey from Carolina, Puerto Rico, to becoming a candidate for the Loudoun County School Board. A former space and missile officer in the U.S. Air Force, Muñoz brings a leadership style forged through discipline, service, and family values.

He speaks candidly about the current educational climate in Loudoun County, including RA 8040, concerns over parental rights, and the growing disconnect between school boards and families. With a strong emphasis on transparency, community engagement, and protecting the voices of Latino families, Muñoz outlines his vision for restoring trust in public education.

• RA 8040 & Policy Disconnect. Muñoz breaks down what RA 8040 means and why many parents feel alienated by the school board’s decision-making process.
• Lessons from Operation Burnt Frost. Drawing from his experience on a top-secret military mission, Muñoz shares why coordination, clarity, and accountability are non-negotiable in both national defense and public education.
• Raised in Puerto Rico, Santos’s early life shaped his commitment to hard work and service.
• His military background drives his emphasis on leadership, accountability, and integrity.
• Muñoz highlights the challenges Latino families face in Loudoun schools.
• He advocates for education, not indoctrination, and a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
• His candidacy centers on transparency, community partnership, and a student-first philosophy.

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background
• 13:27 – Cultural Identity and Family Values
• 25:40 – Education and Early Ambitions
• 37:41 – Military Service and Leadership
• 49:36 – Parental Engagement and School Board Transparency
• 52:47 – The Disconnect Between Parents and School Boards
• 57:36 – Leadership and Accountability in Education
• 01:03:57 – Federal Guidelines and Local Policy Resistance
• 01:09:47 – Vision for Change in Education
• 01:16:46 – Addressing Latino Community Concerns
• 01:22:49 – Education vs. Indoctrination
• 01:26:44 – Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Operation Burnt Frost Archive

• Lockheed Martin Intercept Footage
• AGI Debris Simulation
• NASA Article: Social Networks in Military Ops

“If we want to fix our schools, we have to fix the relationship between paren...

Why are so many students still struggling with reading and writing—and what actually works to help them succeed? In this episode, Krishna Cart, MA Ed, NBCT, explores how explicit, structured literacy instruction is changing the game at Masterpiece Academy’s Reading and Writing Lab.

With only 33% of fourth graders reading at or above grade level, and over half of teachers calling for reading interventions, this episode explores evidence-based, student-centered strategies proven to boost academic outcomes. You'll learn about the key components of effective literacy instruction—including word study, guided reading, comprehension strategies, and writing instruction—and how they help students develop confidence and fluency.

This episode highlights the critical importance of literacy skills in academic success, focusing on the low rates of reading proficiency among students. It introduces Masterpiece Academy’s structured literacy model, emphasizing the power of explicit instruction, leveled reading materials, and writing engagement. Success stories from students and families underscore the lasting impact of this approach on both performance and passion for learning.

• Academic reading and writing skills are the strongest predictors of academic success.
• Only 33% of fourth graders read at or above grade level.
• Over half of educators report that students need reading intervention.
• Structured literacy is essential for effective learning.
• Explicit instruction in literacy components enhances comprehension.
• Guided reading improves student engagement and understanding.
• Matching materials to students’ reading levels boosts fluency and confidence.
• Writing instruction significantly enhances student composition skills.
• Low-stakes writing increases fluency and reduces writing anxiety.
• Metacognition and reflection promote student ownership of learning.

00:00 – Introduction to Literacy and Academic Success 01:00 – The Importance of Structured Literacy Instruction 02:45 – Components of Effective Literacy Instruction 05:43 – Guided Reading and Comprehension Strategies 08:53 – Writing Instruction and Its Impact 10:53 – Wrap-Up and Independent Reading Assignments 12:20 – Masterpiece Academy’s Unique Approach 14:04 – Enrollment and Conclusion

"Academic reading and writing skills are crucial." "Guided reading boosts comprehension and engagement." "Matching text to reading levels increases fluency."