More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public Schools
Education & Explainer
About
More than headlines. More than statistics. This podcast from Hillsborough County Public Schools takes you inside the classrooms, hallways, and communities that shape education every day. In just 15 minutes per episode, hear real conversations with students, teachers, school leaders, families, and community partners—and see how innovation and impact unfold across HCPS. Because there’s always more to the story.
Episodes
- Voices from the School Board: School Board Chair Karen Perez
This episode features School Board Chair Karen Perez discussing the importance of mental health and overall well-being in schools. The conversation emphasizes that students need to feel safe, supported, and connected to achieve academic su…
- Christi Atkinson, 2026 Teacher of the Year!
Christi Atkinson, the 2026 Teacher of the Year for Hillsborough County Public Schools, is featured on this episode. She discusses her experiences and the significance of this award for her and her school community.
- The Importance of Family and Community Engagement
This episode of More to The Story discusses the importance of family and community engagement in a child's education. Dr. Felita Lewis, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement, joins the discussion to explain how strong schoo…
- Leading with Heart: A Principal's Perspective
Latonya Anderson Rhodes, principal of Jennings Middle School, shares her perspective on leading with heart, emphasizing compassion and high expectations for students. She discusses the complexities of a principal's role, including vision,…
- Voices from the School Board: Henry "Shake" Washington
Henry "Shake" Washington discusses his experiences in education, from student to school board member. He shares his journey and reflects on pivotal historical moments that shaped his leadership.
- Exceptional Student Education: Where Every Student Can Thrive
This episode of More to The Story focuses on Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and how Hillsborough County Public Schools supports students with diverse learning needs. The district provides support from early childhood through graduatio…
- Bright Futures: College & Career Pathways
Guest Ansberto Vallejo, Supervisor of Adult and Community Education, discusses how students can navigate post-high school choices, including college, technical programs, military service, and the workforce.
- Voices from the School Board - Member Lynn Gray
School Board Member Lynn Gray joins the podcast to discuss the importance of student safety in a digital world. The episode covers topics including human trafficking awareness, online protection, and the role of education in prevention.
- Voices from the School Board - Vice Chair Nadia Combs
Hillsborough County Public Schools School Board Vice Chair Nadia Combs discusses her approach to leadership, policy setting, and the importance of public education in the seventh-largest school district in the United States.
- Literacy at Every Level
Tracie Bergman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Hillsborough County Public Schools, discusses the importance of literacy, including comprehension, communication, and critical thinking across all grade levels.
- Keeping Our Schools Safe - A Shared Responsibility
Hillsborough County Public Schools discusses their commitment to creating safe learning environments. Chief of Security John Newman shares insights into the district's safety protocols.
- The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Dr. Emily Cimino, Director of Early Childhood at Hillsborough County Public Schools, discusses the significance of early childhood education and the programs available to families in the district.
- Accelerated Opportunities at Hillsborough County Public Schools
In this episode of More to The Story, Jazheel Lenegar and Brian Hoover from Hillsborough County Public Schools discuss the academic pathways and accelerated programs available to students in the district.
- Superintendent Van Ayres
This episode features Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres, discussing his lifelong connection to Tampa and his path to leading a major school district.