Episodes

  • Ep 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood

    Ep 19 | Lead with Reckless Abandon. From Foster Care to College President: Inside Sacramento State’s Bold Equity Work with Dr. Luke Wood
    Mar 23 2026

    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Dr. Luke Wood, President of California State University Sacramento, for a deeply personal and purpose-driven conversation about leadership, equity, and systems transformation.

    Dr. Wood takes us on a journey through his lived experiences—from navigating foster care and systemic barriers to becoming a national voice in higher education leadership. He shares how those experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to ensuring students are not blamed for inequitable outcomes—and why leaders must instead redesign the systems that serve them.

    We explore the bold work happening at Sacramento State, including initiatives like the Black Honors College, culturally responsive supports for students, and a strong focus on meeting students’ basic needs. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Wood reminds us that leadership rooted in love and accountability is not soft—it is strategic, courageous, and necessary.

    This episode is a call to action for leaders to stay focused, lead with purpose, and build systems where every student has the opportunity to thrive.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • How Dr. Luke Wood’s personal journey informs his leadership and commitment to equity

    • Why systems—not students—must be the focus of change in education

    • The vision and purpose behind Sacramento State’s Black Honors College

    • How addressing students’ basic needs directly impacts academic success

    • What it means to lead with both love and accountability in high-stakes environments

    • Strategies for creating cultures of belonging at scale

    • How leaders can remain grounded, focused, and resilient in challenging times


    🎧 Episode Chapters

    00:00 – Introduction and welcome

    01:14 – Early life experiences and commitment to equity

    02:40 – Navigating foster care and systemic barriers

    05:32 – The vision behind the Black Honors College

    08:40 – Supporting Black students and Native communities

    10:27 – Addressing student needs through basic support systems

    12:14 – Leading through political and social challenges

    14:36 – Shifting from fixing students to fixing systems

    19:33 – Creating belonging and student-centered environments

    23:24 – Leadership lessons rooted in purpose and focus

    26:53 – Self-care, sustainability, and resilience


    📚 Resources Mentioned

    • Black Minds Matter Initiativehttps://blackmindsmatter.net/
    • California State University Sacramento – Black Honors College: https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/black-honors-college/
    • California State University Sacramento – Basic Needs Center: https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-counseling/basic-needs-resource-center/


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Luke Wood

    Website: https://www.csus.edu/president/

    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drlukewood

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukewood/

    X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DrLukeWood

    Research: https://blackmindsmatter.net/


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    31 mins
  • Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy

    Ep 18 | Reimagining Schools So Marginalized Students Experience Belonging, Brilliance, and Joy
    Mar 16 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Allyson (Wright) Taylor, educator and program specialist with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Allyson shares her deeply personal story and her mission to help educators reimagine schools as places where marginalized students do more than survive—they experience belonging, brilliance, and joy.Drawing from her own life journey, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager and being supported by a teacher who changed the trajectory of her life, Allyson speaks candidly about the transformative power of education. She challenges educators to rethink traditional systems and create learning environments that affirm student identity, center cultural responsiveness, and expand what young people believe is possible for themselves.Throughout the conversation, Allyson offers practical strategies for educators and school leaders to shift their mindset, redesign systems, and build authentic partnerships with students and families. This episode is a powerful reminder that when schools intentionally honor identity, culture, and voice, they become places where students can truly thrive.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode• How Allyson’s personal journey shaped her commitment to equity and belonging in schools• Why schools must move beyond survival toward belonging, brilliance, and joy for Black students• Practical strategies for educators to shift their thinking around identity, culture, and power in the classroom• How culturally responsive behavior systems can transform school culture• The role of apology, repair, and student voice in building trust with students• Why educators must begin equity work with self-awareness and reflection• Strategies for partnering with families and caregivers through humility and trust-building• How intentional learning environments can affirm student identity and expand opportunity• The importance of hiring educators whose values align with equity-centered leadership• Why supporting educator well-being is critical for sustaining transformational work🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Allyson (Wright) Taylor and her background01:26 – How education changed Allyson’s life after experiencing homelessness02:29 – Reimagining schools where Black students experience safety, belonging, and joy04:10 – Practical steps educators can take to better support Black girls in school05:59 – The power of apology, repair, and elevating student voice07:25 – Rethinking behavior systems through culturally responsive practices08:42 – Addressing racial slurs and inequitable discipline through systemic change10:04 – Persisting in advocacy work despite resistance and challenges13:01 – Designing learning environments that affirm diverse identities14:30 – Recruiting staff who align with equity-centered school values16:34 – Leadership insights: charter schools vs. traditional public schools21:48 – How educators influence how students understand their identity and story23:12 – New approaches to family engagement and community partnership27:40 – Building trust through vulnerability and authentic relationships29:17 – Current initiatives supporting Black learners, including the GENIUS Initiative32:50 – Professional learning that shifts educator mindsets35:36 – Culturally relevant practices that amplify student stories36:26 – Building community through relational practices and shared storytelling37:40 – The power of collaboration among educators working toward equity38:47 – A call to action for school leaders advocating for marginalized students39:33 – Sustaining the work through educator wellness and self-care41:49 – Final reflections and gratitude for the shared journey in education📚 Resources Mentioned• Supporting the African American Learner Guide – Dr. Katherine Edwards• The GENIUS Initiative• Brown University Teacher Education Program🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Allyson (Wright) TaylorEmail: Taylor_Allyson@lacoe.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonwright/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: ...
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    39 mins
  • Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools

    Ep 17 | From Chaos to Community: How the Tatted Principal Kat Shaw Transforms Schools
    Mar 9 2026

    In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Kat Shaw, widely known as The Tatted Principal and Executive Director of Howard Gardner Community School. Kat brings more than two decades of experience in education and a leadership style grounded in authenticity, restorative practices, and deep belief in the potential of every student.

    Kat shares her remarkable journey from instructional aide to transformational school leader serving students who have often been pushed out of traditional systems. At Reach Academy, a school serving expelled students, she stepped into an environment marked by crisis and instability and helped transform it into a space centered on trust, belonging, and accountability.

    We talk about what happens when leaders refuse to code-switch and instead show up as their authentic selves. Kat explains how that authenticity helped her connect with students who had learned not to trust adults in schools.

    She also shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately: community circles, daily check-ins, mental health partnerships, and empowering students to step into leadership roles within their school community.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that relationships are the foundation of real school transformation.

    If you care about belonging, restorative practices, and leadership that meets students where they are, this episode is for you.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • Why authentic leadership builds trust with students who feel disconnected from school

    • How restorative practices shift school culture from punishment to accountability

    • The power of daily community circles and student voice

    • Why mental health support must be integrated into school systems

    • How empowering students can transform school culture


    🎧 Keywords

    education leadership, restorative practices, school transformation, student engagement, authentic leadership, student belonging, school culture, behavior intervention, alternative education, Kat Shaw, Howard Gardner Community School, student empowerment, teacher collaboration


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Principal, Kat Shaw

    Email: kshaw@hgcschool.org

    Recommitted Counseling Founder: www.recommittedconsulting.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katshaw1227/


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Ep 16 | Nicholas Westfall: California Teacher of the Year Reinvents PE — Why Students Stop Loving It (And How To Fix It!)

    Ep 16 | Nicholas Westfall: California Teacher of the Year Reinvents PE — Why Students Stop Loving It (And How To Fix It!)
    Mar 2 2026
    In this energizing episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with California Teacher of the Year Nicholas Westfall, a passionate and innovative physical educator who is redefining what physical education can look and feel like for students.Nicholas shares how his journey into physical education began at just 13 years old, inspired by his father’s advice, and how that calling eventually led him to statewide recognition as California Teacher of the Year. What impacted me most was how intentionally he designs learning experiences for students who traditionally feel disconnected from PE. We talk about his yoga-based PE class created specifically for students who once dreaded PE and unpack how he integrates mindfulness, social emotional learning, growth mindset, and standards-based grading into a curriculum that honors both rigor and belonging.We also dive into his powerful “speed-friending” protocol, a strategy that builds authentic peer connections and teaches students how to ask meaningful questions. As Nicholas reminds us, “People are so interesting.” That line stayed with me. If you care about innovative teaching, student engagement, wellness, and building deeper relationships in schools, this episode will challenge and inspire you.✨ What I Took Away From This ConversationNicholas’s passion for physical education started early and never wavered.Being named California Teacher of the Year reflects the deep impact of innovative PE instruction.A yoga-based PE class can re-engage students who previously disliked physical education.Mindfulness and social emotional learning belong in PE spaces.Student enjoyment of PE declines from elementary to middle school and we must respond intentionally.Standards-based grading strengthens the integrity of physical education.Speed friending builds authentic friendships and communication skills.Teaching students how to ask good questions changes the quality of conversations.Professional development should mirror the engagement we want in classrooms.The quality of friendships has declined and schools must intentionally rebuild connection.Excellent PE instruction is rigorous, standards-based, and relevant.Growth mindset projects help students redefine what is “impossible.”Teacher collaboration amplifies student outcomes.Community events like 5Ks build wellness and engagement beyond campus.Educational policy must protect creativity and flexibility in teaching.🎧 Sound Bites That Stuck With Me“People are so interesting.”“Impossible is just an opinion.”“Education is not Starbucks.”🔑 Keywordsphysical education, California Teacher of the Year, innovative teaching, student engagement, yoga, mindfulness, speed friending, social emotional learning, conversation skills, education friendship quality, teacher collaboration, physical education, growth mindset, wellness, community engagement, educational policy, professional development, student relationships, teaching standards🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Nicholas WestfallPhysical Education Teacher & California Teacher Of The Year 2025Email: mr.growthmindsetwestfall@gmail.comSubstack Newsletter: https://nicholaswestfall.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-westfall-a75b49131/📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging by Allowing Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates

    Ep 15 | Principals: Step Back to Build Belonging by Allowing Teams to Lead Schools Forward a Reflective Conversation with Dr. Franklin and Dr. Spates
    Feb 23 2026

    In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.

    Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.


    ✨ Episode Takeaways

    • Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
    • Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
    • Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
    • Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
    • Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
    • Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
    • Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
    • Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
    • Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
    • Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.


    💭 Sound Bites

    • "Everything matters in education."
    • "We all own the data now."
    • "We can't do the work on our own."

    🔑 Keywords

    leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal


    🚌 About the Podcast

    So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.

    As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

    Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com

    Website: KrishnaSpates.com

    Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

    Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

    LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.


    📬 Connect with Dr. Gregor Franklin

    USC Rossier Breakthrough Leadership Institute Summer Professional Learning:

    https://rossierprolearn.usc.edu/2026-bli-info/

    Website: USC Rossier School of Education Doctoral Program in Education Leadership

    Email: gfrankli@usc.edu


    📸 Production Studio

    Recorded at 661 Creators Space

    Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

    Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

    Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com


    🎼 Music

    Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix

    Instagram: @mutanixs

    Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

    Used with permission.


    💛 Support the Work

    If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    22 mins
  • Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley

    Ep 14 | Policy Isn’t Just for Politicians: Lived Experience Is the Real Credential with TaVia Wooley
    Feb 16 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with TaVia Wooley, founder and Executive Director of Empower Them Collective, for a masterclass in advocacy, humility, and shared power.TaVia shares how her lived experience — as a mother, social worker, medical advocate, and community leader — shaped her belief that lived experience is more important than degrees. From navigating systems for her brother on the autism spectrum to advocating after the loss of her son, she transformed personal pain into policy literacy and leadership development for families.Through the Leadership & Policy Academy for Parents, AIM (African American Infant & Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative), and the 661 Creators Space, TaVia is building the collective capacity of the Antelope Valley community to engage in and create meaningful policy initiatives.This episode challenges educators to move beyond “family engagement” and toward shared ownership, humility, and she drops a creative-bomb: compensate parent expertise.If you believe policy shouldn’t happen to you — this episode is for you.✨ Episode TakeawaysLived experience is more important than degrees.Empowerment comes from understanding and addressing root causes.Advocacy should be informed by personal experiences.Creating safe spaces fosters open dialogue.Self-care is essential for effective advocacy.Community engagement requires valuing parents' voices.Policy should be shaped by those affected by it.Podcasting can amplify marginalized voices.Building relationships is key to successful advocacy.Compensating community members for their expertise is vital.⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tavia Woolley and Empower Them Collective06:02 Lived Experiences and Leadership11:48 Empower Them Collective's Mission and Impact17:20 Advocacy Skills for Parents and Caregivers24:02 Navigating School Systems and Policy Literacy29:59 The Role of Podcasting in Community Engagement35:53 Concrete Actions for Educators to Partner with Families41:25 Self-Care and Personal Reflections47:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations🎧 Sound Bites"We need to ask the right questions.""We need to shift the narrative.""More is caught than taught."🔑 KeywordsTavia Woolley, Empower Them Collective, lived experience, advocacy, community engagement, education, podcasting, self-care, leadership, policy change🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with TaVia WooleyWebsite: Empower Them CollectiveWebsite: JustTavia.comEmail: tavia@justtavia.comPodcast Studio: 661 Creators SpaceInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono

    Ep 13 | Masterclass: Creating High School Culture from the Ground Up with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono
    Feb 9 2026
    In this inspiring episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates welcomes Dr. Kathya Arriaran-Buono, founding principal of Palmdale Academy Charter School in Palmdale, California. Dr. Buono shares how she built a high‑performing school‑of‑choice culture—during a pandemic—by centering servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decision‑making. From hiring for heart over content knowledge and designing annual staff retreats, to expanding AP access, boosting graduation rates and modelling self‑care as a working mom, this conversation is loaded with practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Dr. Buono offers advice on navigating skepticism, creating joy‑filled traditions like “Peep Wars,” and ensuring families feel seen in a competitive educational landscape. Tune in for a master class on building culture, sustaining outcomes and leading with love.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)How to hire for culture by asking candidates what support they need from leadershipWhy servant leadership, restorative practices and data‑driven decisions are Dr. Buono’s non‑negotiablesThe power of annual retreats and restorative circles to foster belonging and accountabilityCreative strategies like “Lunch Bunch” that keep seniors on track to graduateHow open access to AP courses, including an AP African‑American Studies pathway, builds equityWhy silly traditions (like Peep Wars) can strengthen staff cultureHow to empower assistant principals through shared responsibility and leadership developmentPractical advice for aspiring leaders: lead outside your classroom and anchor yourself in purposeWhy “love the kids” is both simple and challenging—and why joy is a leadership strategyTips for balancing school leadership with motherhood and self‑care⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Meet Dr. Buono: Servant leader, restorative practitioner and data‑driven principal introduces herself and her “why.”02:30 – Hiring for Culture: The interview question that reveals mindset and why heart can’t be coached.05:00 – Learner Profile & Retreat: Defining the profile of a graduate and the role of themed retreats in building culture.08:30 – Restorative Practices: How restorative circles work, with examples of powerful prompts.11:00 – AP Access & Student Outcomes: From AP Silver School to plans for AP African‑American Studies and high college‑and‑career readiness.17:00 – Graduation & Interventions: Using “Lunch Bunch” and catered meals to prevent senioritis and boost A–G completion.21:00 – Enrollment Growth: Being a school of choice in a competitive district and serving families as clients.24:00 – Founding Principal Lessons: Challenges of launching a high school during COVID and the roller coaster of “firsts.”27:30 – Strengthening Culture in 90 Days: Peep Wars, potlucks and treating adults like professionals.31:00 – Leadership Development: Dividing work among APs, empowering them to lead MTSS and culture initiatives.34:00 – Love, Joy & Self‑Care: Anchoring leadership in love, finding joy as resistance, and balancing motherhood.38:00 – Career Advice: Why teachers should lead PD, mentor others and step into committees before moving into administration.🎧 Sound Bites“Our students choose us every single day.” – Dr. Buono on leading a school of choice“You can't teach heart; you can coach content, but not mindset.” – Dr. Buono on hiring for culture“Love the kids. They know when you care and when you don't.” – Dr. Buono on the core of leadership🔑 Keywordsschool culture, charter high school, servant leadership, restorative practices, data‑driven decision‑making, AP access, equity, student success, school choice, staff retreats, leadership development, teacher mentorship, student belonging, joy in leadership, self‑care🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Kathya Arriaran-BuonoPalmdale Academy Charter High SchoolEmail: Kathyaarriaran@gmail.com📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — ...
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    43 mins
  • Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco

    Ep 12 | You Are Not Obligated to Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm: Leading with Purpose, Equity & Data with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco
    Feb 2 2026
    In this powerful episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, Dr. Spates sits down with Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, a respected equity leader and advocate for inclusive educational systems. Dr. Brent-Sanco shares her lived experiences advancing equity through community partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and intentional leadership practices.She discusses the founding and impact of the Unity Women's Professional Networking Organization, highlighting the importance of mentorship, collective support, and professional spaces specifically designed for African-American women educators. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brent-Sanco emphasizes discernment in leadership, anchoring oneself in purpose, and finding joy as an act of resistance and sustainability in challenging times.This episode is a must-listen for school leaders, educators, and anyone committed to fostering belonging, advancing equity, and supporting the whole educator.✨ What You’ll Learn (Episode Takeaways)Community support is essential for sustainable equity initiatives.Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization creates space for growth, connection, and leadership among African-American women educators.Data-driven decisions help leaders navigate skepticism and resistance around equity work.Embedding equity into policy requires intentional alignment with fiscal and organizational priorities.Innovative programs, such as Leadership Academies, can transform student outcomes and narratives.Effective leadership centers belonging, care, and high expectations for all students.Women of color in leadership benefit from anchoring themselves in purpose and building diverse support circles.Discernment is critical when navigating political climates and organizational dynamics.Joy is a leadership strategy that sustains hope and resilience.Self-care is not optional—it is essential for educator well-being and effectiveness.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco02:47 – Unity Women’s Professional Networking Organization05:34 – Building Community Support for Equity Initiatives10:39 – Navigating Skepticism in Equity Work14:07 – Embedding Equity in Policy and Practice18:58 – Innovative Programs for Student Support24:19 – The Role of Leadership in Education28:27 – Advice for Women of Color in Leadership35:22 – The Importance of Discernment in Leadership39:35 – Finding Joy and Hope in Education49:42 – Consulting Services and Self-Care Practices🎧 Sound Bites“Data doesn’t lie.”“Finding joy brings hope.”“We want to transform environments.”🔑 Keywordseducation, equity, leadership, community support, women in leadership, mentorship, student success, professional development, diversity, inclusion🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.comInstagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📬 Connect with Dr. Patricia Brent-SancoThe Lighthouse Educational Consulting Group - https://www.thelighthouseconsulting.com/Email: pbsanco@yahoo.comUnity: https://www.unityumoja.orgE-Book: Then and Now Understanding and Addressing White Supremacy byDr. Patricia Brent Sanco & Dr. Veronica BloomfieldPurchase E-book: hereLinkedIn: Patricia Brent-Sanco, EdD.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: mutanixmedia@gmail.comUsed with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.
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    59 mins