On the Street: A #1LISD Journey

As part of a special panel series highlighting public education in Texas, Leander ISD was invited to share how it is honoring Juneteenth through its ongoing commitment to educational access for each and every student.In this episode, Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., and Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street are joined by LISD parent Serenity Coats and her daughter Jaya, a proud Leander High School graduate. Together, they reflect on the historic and personal significance of Juneteenth, and how meaningful relationships, representation, and opportunity continue to shape the student experience in Leander ISD.Take a listen as they share stories, insights, and commitments that honor the legacy of Juneteenth while advancing a future where every student belongs and thrives.DeWayne sits down with Serenity Coats and her daughter Jaya about the importance of Juneteenth in the African American community.Introductions (0:00-4:40)Get To Know Serenity and Jaya (4:40-5:56)DeWayne Opening Statements(5:56-8:16)How LISD Continues to Honor Juneteenth (8:16-9:46)Dr. Gearing’s Personal Connection to Educational Access (9:46-11:35)Serenity's Experience With LISD (11:35-19:31)Jaya’s Experience In LISD (19:31-22:26)What Is On The Horizon For LISD (22:26- 25:42)Jaya’s Major (25:42- 26:52)Open Discussion (26:52- 30:44)Outro (30:44-31:55)

DeWayne sits down with Alexandra Peoples to discuss her backstory and why this month means so much to so many.Introductions (0:00-1:17)Backstories (1:17-8:08)Why LISD? (8:08-11:01)Favorite Place You Have Visited (11:01-17:14)What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self (17:14-29:32)Open Discussion (29:32-30:54)Outro (30:54-31:18)

On The Street: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islanders Month with Austin PrumKnowles Elementary’s Physical Education teacher, Austin Prum sat down with Chief of the Office of Educational Access, DeWayne Street, to chat about Asian American Pacific Islanders Month. He uses his culture and life experiences to teach his students about diversity and acceptance. In his 11 years of education, Austin has seen many students come and go and has left a lasting impact on all of them. Enjoy this episode as we wrap up the school year.DeWayne sits down with Austin to learn more about how his culture has left an impression on his students.Intro: 0:00-1:46Get to Know Austin: 1:46-5:21Favorite Childhood Memory: 5:21-7:19Learning To Do For Self: 7:19-9:52When Did You Know You Wanted To Be A Teacher: 9:52-12:05Impact on Students: 12:05- 15:01What Brought You to Leander ISD: 15:01-17:14Austin’s All Time Favorite Piece of Music: 17:14-20:08The Importance of AAPI: 20:08-24:01Final Thoughts: 24:01-26:30Outro: 26:30-27:04Season 2 Episode 8 – Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islanders Month with Austin Prum

Season 2 Episode 7 – Women’s History Month with Ashley Anderson, Donna Simons, and Dr. Erika CruzDeWayne sits down with Ashley, Donna, and Erika about their backgrounds and the inspirational women in their lives.Introductions (0:00-1:30)Backstories (1:30-8:13)Favorite Subject, Favorite Teachers (8:13-13:53)Why LISD? (13:53-21:43)Why Women’s History Month is Important in LISD (21:43-27:54)Open Discussion (27:54-35:41)Outro (35:41-36:16)

Leander High School’s head football coach and Athletic Coordinator Kris Price joined the Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street to discuss what African American History Month means to them and what it’s like being a coach in this day and age. Price has more than 20 years of coaching experience and has called Leander ISD home for the last six years. He takes pride in preparing his student-athletes for the next level on an athletic and academic level.DeWayne sits down with Coach Price to learn more about him as a coach and person. (01:15)Later, DeWayne and Kris have a conversation centered around: Why choose Leander ISD? (11:24)Lessons to learn from African American History Month (13:26)Words of wisdom from Coach Price (19:36)Challenges of coaching in today’s world (23:28)Closing (30:39)

2025 marks the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MLK was a pioneer and trailblazer who inspired many during his time and continues to be a source of wisdom and guidance today. The guest for this episode of On the Street, Rodney Page, was one of many who took the civil rights leaders’ words to heart. Page went on to become not only the first women’s basketball coach at the University of Texas but also the first African American coach at UT. Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street sat down with Rodney to learn his story and how he was more than just a coach. --- DeWayne starts by asking Rodney about his story. Later, DeWayne and Rodney have a conversation centered around: (8:50) Navigating Life in 1963 (16:05) Coaching Career, More Than A Job (37:08) Rodney’s Mentors (41:01) The Meaning of MLK Day in 2025 (50:02) Closing

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Camacho Elementary School Instructional Assistant Fran Harper to speak about her 17-year journey in LISD and what Native American Heritage Month means to her. (00:43) DeWayne starts by asking Fran about what led her to the instructional assistant role. Later, DeWayne and Fran have a conversation centered around: (07:36) The importance of celebrating Native American Heritage Month (13:35) Raising awareness of Native American communities (17:19) Research the history (24:04) Closing

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street had a special two-guest episode – current LISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing and Tom Glenn, a former LISD superintendent – to discuss the idea of #1LISD and, more specifically, the importance of unity across our 200-square-mile school district. Tom was able to offer a unique perspective of LISD being a one high school town – and just six schools in all – in the 1980s when he started as superintendent. Bruce's experience as superintendent of a school district with six feeder patterns and 48 schools offered interesting contrasts and challenges. At the end of the episode, DeWayne invites Sarah Grissom, the deputy superintendent of administrative services and strategic planning, to read the poem The Trough by Judy Brown. DeWayne starts welcoming Tom and Bruce onto the podcasts, noting the recent Unity Day earlier in October. Later, the three of them have a conversation centered around: (1:05) Tom Glenn's time as superintendent (6:15) The challenge of opening more schools (8:23) Building a culture (13:32) The challenges Bruce faces as the current LISD superintendent (20:40) Advice for educational leaders (24:37) Constancy of purpose (27:59) The impact of community cohesion (34:06) What makes the #1LISD community strong

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited one of Leander ISD's district receptionists, Martha Hinojosa, to learn more about her journey and what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her. In her current role, she serves as one of the first people community members interact with when seeking to learn more about the district. Martha started with LISD in 1996, and over the past nearly 30 years, she's worn many hats at campuses across the district – all while raising a family and seeing her kids graduate from LISD schools. (00:39) DeWayne starts by asking Martha to share a little about her backstory as a person and a professional . Later, DeWayne and Martha have a conversation centered around: (02:13) Childhood Memories (03:29) Joining Leander ISD (07:16) Favorite Part of the Job (09:31) Favorite Things About School (13:33) Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month (16:10) Closing Video Format

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Leander ISD’s new executive director of safety and security, Shā Rogers, to speak about her law enforcement background and what led her to be a police officer in public education. Rogers joined Leander ISD in May. Her position will transition to become the chief of police after LISD’s police department application has been approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Video Format

Back for Season 2, the On the Street podcast will continue to explore opportunities to continue the conversation around educational access and highlight #1LISD’s efforts around increasing cultural competency for Leander ISD staff. Our work is about bringing people into the conversation and increasing dialectical practice. Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., to share his thoughts on the topic of cultural competency. Video Format

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Leander ISD Chief of Schools Matthew Gutierrez, Ed.D., to speak about his journey in education and the meaning and history of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. DeWayne starts by asking Matthew about himself as a person and a practitioner, along with his favorite childhood memory (00:49). Later, DeWayne and Matthew have a conversation centered around: (09:03) The connection between educational access & resources (19:32) Favorite educator (22:13) The importance of observing LGBTQ+ Pride Month (25:56) Connecting the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights with cultural competency and educational access (29:03) Closing

In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision, Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Shawn Swisher, LISD’s general counsel in the Legal Services department, to commemorate the Brown v. Board of Education court case and reflect on the ripple it has had throughout the country. (00:48) DeWayne starts by asking Shawn about his background as a person and a practitioner in the education space. Later, DeWayne and Shawn have a conversation centered around: (05:52) Why choose education as a profession (09:00) Transitioning from the classroom to a legal practitioner (18:48) Reflecting on Brown v. Board’s impact (27:00) Advancing the legacy of the Brown decision (31:56) Closing

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Leander High School Instructional Assistant and Job Coach Ramona Kar to speak about her journey and the significance of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. (00:52) DeWayne starts by asking about Ramona’s background and what attracted her to Leander ISD. Later, DeWayne and Ramona have a conversation centered around: (03:55) Ramona’s transition to the U.S. (07:27) Advice she’d give her younger self (11:25) Why celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? (14:40) Closing

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Vandegrift High School Principal Charlie Little to speak about his journey and the significance of Celebrate Diversity Month. (00:46) DeWayne starts by asking about his background as a person and as an educator.  Later, DeWayne and Charlie have a conversation centered around: (07:05) Leading in a fluid environment of changing ethnic and income diversity (16:55) Fostering different types of diversity (27:40) Favorite educator (31:39) The importance of celebrating diversity (34:38) Closing -- This ⁠On the Street: A #1LISD Journey podcast series⁠ serves as an opportunity to continue the conversation around educational access and to highlight our efforts around increasing cultural competency for Leander ISD staff. Our work is about bringing people into the conversation.

Chief of the Office of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited a panel of guests – Area Superintendent Angela Hodges, Senior Director of Transportation Tracie Franco and Senior Executive Director of Campus Activities Jody Hormann – to speak about their journey and the significance of Women’s History Month. DeWayne starts by asking the three of them to share a little bit about themselves personally and professionally and why they chose the field of education. For good measure, he asked about their favorite teacher (00:48). Later, DeWayne and the group have a conversation centered around: Lessons learned (12:27) The significance of this month’s observance (20:21) The favorite thing about their current role (27:58) Closing (34:22) -- This On the Street: A #1LISD Journey podcast series serves as an opportunity to continue the conversation around educational access and to highlight our efforts around increasing cultural competency for Leander ISD staff. Our work is about bringing people into the conversation.

In the first video episode of the podcast, Chief of Educational Access DeWayne Street invited Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D., to speak about the Culture of Voting in Leander ISD and the state of public education. Don’t forget! Early voting ends Friday, March 1, and then Election Day is Tuesday, March 5. The Compass: A Culture of Voting DeWayne starts by asking Bruce to share a little bit about Bruce’s passion for public education and where that journey began (00:40). Later, DeWayne and Bruce have a conversation centered around: What was the impact of Gearing’s favorite teacher? (05:12) Supporting a Culture of Voting (07:28) What is public education’s value in the 21st century? (11:46) The challenges facing public education (18:54) The future of public education (23:05) Key takeaways from Gearing’s time as an educator (27:34) Closing on a Culture of Voting (29:41)

In a special role-reversal episode of the podcast, Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion DeWayne Street served as the guest while Chief Communications Officer Crestina Hardie played host, asking him to speak about his journey and the significance of African-American History Month. Crestina starts by asking DeWayne to share a little bit about himself as a person and as a professional (01:05). Later, Crestina and DeWayne have a conversation centered around: Street’s roots in education (03:36) Importance of African-American history (10:06) Why has African-American history become polarizing? (14:26) Putting in the work (16:46) Closing (19:00)

Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion DeWayne Street invited Vincent Hawkins, the principal of Rouse High School, to speak about his journey and the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. DeWayne asks Vincent to share a little bit about himself and what led him to become and educator (01:07). Later, DeWayne and Vincent have a conversation centered around: What Does MLK Day Mean in 2024? (09:21) How Hawkins’ Life Would Be Different Without the Work of Dr. King (14:46) Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy as Practitioners (22:27) About Hawkins’ Journey (24:36)

Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion DeWayne Street invited Paulette Jones, the dean of instruction at Glenn High School, to speak about the focus on equitable access and students' opportunities to take advanced classes and AP courses. DeWayne asks Paulette to share a little bit about herself and what led her to become and educator (01:15). Later, DeWayne and Paulette have a conversation centered around: The Role of Enhancing Educational Access (05:03) The Importance of Enhancing Educational Access (09:49) Advice for Signing Up for Advanced Courses (13:33) A Rewarding Experience as a Dean of Instruction (16:38)

For Native American Heritage Month, Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion DeWayne Street invited Tracy Edwards, a special education teacher at Akin Elementary, to speak about her journey and the significance of the month. DeWayne asks Tracy to share a little bit about her journey (01:10). Later, DeWayne and Tracy have a conversation centered around: Growing Up Native American (02:31) Rock Your Mocs Week (06:12) Family History (07:21) Critical Issues Facing Native Americans Today (13:22) Importance of the Month (16:46) Who Tracy Admired Growing Up (20:16)

In the inaugural podcast for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – On the Street: A #1LISD Journey – DeWayne Street, the Chief of DEI, invited the recently hired principal for River Ridge Elementary, Dr. Sally Sosa, to speak about her journey and the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month. DeWayne asks Sally to share a little bit about her journey (1:41). Later, DeWayne and Sally have a conversation centered around the following questions: Why was education so important? (3:23) Why is it important to observe Hispanic Heritage Month? (11:17) How has her identity impacted her journey as an educator and a leader? (15:20) What advice would she give her teenage self? (21:25) Who did she admire growing up? (22:13)