EDUCATION
Dough Bros owners Kylee (above) and Jonathan (below) Ruark instruct students and their parents June 16 in Old Town Buckeye.
RISING TOGETHER Controversial program finds success story in Buckeye
Jonathan Ruark teaches a beginner's baking class in Buckeye.
Jonathan is also watching how technology is changing the landscape. He believes new tools like artificial intelligence could be game- changers in education — and he sees ESA as a critical piece in helping families adapt as public models evolve or even become obsolete. A couple of good eggs For Buckeye mom Lindsay Meredith, Arizona’s ESA program has been a lifeline. Through the program, she’s been able to customize her children’s education in ways that public schools couldn’t offer, despite looming proposed legislative cuts and red tape, especially when it came to addressing their special needs. Her son with dyslexia got a certified Barton tutor and finished his first chapter of a book. “He asked to buy another,” said Meredith, beaming. “He’s four chapters in on his own.”
literally helping families like us be able to stay home with our kids and create an entire small business. That’s the American dream.” The Ruarks identify as neurodivergent, and so do their children. From their own experiences, they saw how conventional education systems often failed to accommodate different learning needs. That’s part of what inspired them to design something more flexible and responsive. What began as sourdough lessons has evolved into a thriving educational venture tailored to neurodivergent learners and their families. “ESA has become half of our business,” Kylee said. Their classes offer a more personalized, patient environment — one that’s attuned to kids who might struggle in traditional classroom settings.
One mother who attends the baking classes shares a similar story. For her family, ESA program has opened personalized education options and provided critical support for children with special needs. An American dream for some When Dough Bros began, the Ruarks were just sharing their love of baking. It started with Facebook Live videos and grew into shipping sourdough starter kits around the world. Eventually, that turned into hands-on classes — first virtual, then in person. “This has been the best part of our business,” Jonathan said. “It has really transitioned into this whole community.” For Kylee, the ESA program is as much about economic freedom as it is about educational choice. “The way I look at it,” she said, “they’re
BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL
A BAKING CLASS FOR EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT KIDS IS ABOUT TO BEGIN ON A MONDAY afternoon in Old Town Buckeye. Before the students arrive, Kylee Ruark is in motion — prepping dough, laying out ingredients, and setting up the children’s workstations. There’s a slight sense of panic as she tries to get everything just right before they walk in. Her husband, Jonathan, steps in to help. The pressure, and their practiced teamwork, help them finish just in time. Eventually, families begin to trickle in, a little late. But it’s on “Buckeye time,” someone jokes — so no one minds. Relief sets in for the Ruarks as they start seeing familiar faces. They are clients, but some are longtime friends; others are new to the circle. Each day feels a little different, a little unpredictable, and for the couple, that’s part of what makes it meaningful. They’re making a living while teaching valuable skills. Buckeye-based Dough Bros says Arizona’s controversial ESA program has not only supported their choices but also changed their lives. And they believe it’s changing lives for others, too.
InBuckeye.com | July 2025
July 2025 | InBuckeye.com
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