Let’s Talk, HCS

Real Talk with David Carroll - Let's Talk HCS Season 2 Episode 1

Let’s Talk HCS is back for Season 2! We’re kicking things off with a conversation about new initiatives, the state of several schools, and what’s ahead for HCS. Tune in for updates, insights, and so much more! A new season of all things HCS starts here!

Inclement Weather and School Cancellation - Let's Talk HCS Episode 11

How does a school district really decide when to close schools for bad weather? It's not one person, one forecast, or one quick call. In this episode of Let's Talk HCS, we're recording from the Emergency Operations Center to pull back the curtain on how weather decisions are made. District leaders, transportation staff, a local meteorologist, and emergency management personnel all come together to explain what happens behind the scenes when snow, ice, wind, or severe storms threaten our area. You'll hear: Why Chattanooga's geography makes weather so hard to predict What role do bus drivers play in decisions Why closing just one part of the county isn't as simple as it sounds.

Real Talk with David Carroll - Let's Talk HCS Episode 10

In this episode of Let’s Talk HCS, Real Talk with David Carroll, Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson and David take a year-end look at what’s working in Hamilton County Schools and what still needs attention. Dr. Robertson shares updates on school safety, building upgrades like controlled entrances, and key-fob access. He also highlights the value of relationships and the importance of students feeling connected to trusted adults who will notice when something feels off. The conversation shifts to student support, including a conversation about nurses, progress in counseling services, and a stronger career focused support for students entering the workforce. David and Dr. Robertson also review the district’s cell phone policy, Finally, Dr. Robertson speaks candidly about working with county leaders on funding and why he’s vocal about widening recruitment and ensuring students see mentors who reflect their experiences.

Celebrating Student Successes and Schools This Thanksgiving - Let's Talk HCS Episode 9

In this Thanksgiving episode of Let’s Talk HCS, our superintendent sits down with Deputy Superintendent Stewart and community superintendents Dr. Shane Harwood, Dr. Marques Stewart, Dr. Elaine Harper, and Dr. Lee Ziegler to pause, reflect, and share what they’re most thankful for so far this school year. Parents will hear about: Why this has been one of the smoothest school openings in years Big wins in student learning, including more level 5 schools How a strong leadership pipeline is changing what happens in classrooms E-sports, student-run coffee shops, and other ways schools are helping kids feel like they belong Powerful student stories from mentoring to a graduate with disabilities now speaking at the state Capitol You’ll also hear how community partners are showing up in big ways, from packed fall festivals to college fairs and support for new school buildings. Before you pass the turkey and pie, tune in and hear why there is so much for Hamilton County families to be thankful for this year and what’s coming next for our students.

• Transcript

Let's Talk HCS - School Nutrition Episode 8

This week on Let’s Talk HCS, we cook up a great conversation with the Director of School Nutrition and a registered dietitian. They explain how HCS serves 40,000 meals a day across 70+ schools. They also share how students can test and shape school menus. We also visit Orchard Knob Middle, where science teacher Sarah Roberson and her students launch a garden club to grow produce for school meals.

• Transcript

Real Talk with David Carroll - Let's Talk HCS Episode 7

In this episode of Let’s Talk HCS: Real Talk, David Carroll sits down with Dr. Justin Robertson to pull back the curtain on what a superintendent really does—and how the job is judged. Carroll surprises Dr. Robertson with on-the-spot questions about his annual evaluation, the ins and outs of school funding, teacher hiring safeguards, shifting enrollment, and why School Choice programs can change lives. Later, Dr. Robertson explains why he completes a detailed self-assessment and how the board uses it. He shares a candid grade on his work with the County Commission and Mayor Wamp. They also tackle teacher background checks—what state licensure holds catch, what reference calls reveal, and where gray areas still exist. Then they explore enrollment trends and traditional schooling.

• Transcript

Choose Hamilton: School Choice and HCS Open Enrollment – Episode 6

In this episode of Let’s Talk, HCS, we dive into the history and impact of School Choice in Hamilton County Schools. We begin by talking with Jim Boles and Jill Levine, two veteran educators, who’ve led magnet programs like CSAS (Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences), Normal Park, and CCA (Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts). They trace the early days of magnet schools in Chattanooga, explain the unique teachings of each school, and describe how schools use unique learning techniques to transform learning communities. Then we hear directly from juniors at CCA and STEM School Chattanooga about their lived experiences in their choice schools. You will hear about what it takes to get accepted in their programs to even hearing about hands-on 3D printing projects to navigating. They also discuss the student-led culture and the balance between academics. Later, new principals at Battle Academy and CSLA (Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts) and a former magnet school student-turned-teacher joins us to explore how open enrollment now complements magnet programs in offering more access across the district. Finally, Jim Boles discusses the logistics of School Choice, how the Choose Hamilton: School Choice lottery works, sibling preferences, deadlines, and tips for parents considering entering the process. Whether you’re a family exploring options or an educator curious about how choice models evolve, this episode offers a rich look into HCS is a district of innovative learning.

• Transcript

HCS Student Leadership and School Community - Episode 5

In this episode of Let's Talk HCS, Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson sits down with students from across Hamilton County Schools to share their experiences, achievements, and goals. From The Howard School, students reflect on leadership, welding certifications, and the rich history that creates a deeper sense of pride. At Lookout Valley Middle High, a freshman discusses the impact of sports and the strong sense of school community, while also emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. Finally, new student board members from Ooltewah High and Soddy Daisy High highlight the responsibility of representing 45,000 students and what it means to push for change. This episode showcases how Hamilton County School students are leading today while preparing for tomorrow.

• Transcript

Real Talk with David Carroll- Episode 4

Superintendent Justin Robertson and David Carroll sit down to discuss new districtwide security standards for athletic events, board meetings, and rules for unaccompanied minors to ensure a safe environment at games. The conversation also addresses the ongoing challenges of school facilities and the new DuPont partnership with the North River YMCA. Carroll and the Superintendent also dive into the growing success of Future Ready Centers, the Centerstone vote on mental health services, and innovative opportunities for students. This episode offers a candid and practical look at the decisions shaping our schools. Listen in and share with a friend.

• Transcript

HCS Facilities - Episode 3

In this episode, we focus on the role of school facilities in shaping learning environments and student success. Board Member Gary Kuehn and Director of Facilities Justin Witt share stories from across Hamilton County Schools. Also, we highlight the challenges of maintaining 80+ buildings, the impact of modern design, and major projects like Tyner Academy and East Brainerd Elementary. We close with Mayor Weston Wamp, who reflects on why investing in safe, innovative facilities signals to students, teachers, and the community that their future matters.

• Transcript
• Chapters

Personalization in HCS- Episode 2

In this episode, we spotlight Clifton Hills Elementary and Hixson High School and their commitment to personalization in the classroom and school building. Hear directly from educators about how personalization is the foundation for student learning and why it's vital that our students feel supported, cared for, and valued. We close with School Board Chair Joe Smith and Vice Chair Karitsa Mosley-Jones, who share why this work matters for every school across Hamilton County and why the Board decided to include student belonging as a commitment in our strategic plan— Opportunity 2030.

• Transcript
• Chapters

Real Talk- Episode 1

Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson sits down with David Carroll to discuss the upcoming opening of schools. Learn how the district has been preparing, updates for the year, and more.

• Transcript

Let's Talk, HCS: Episode 0

HCS is launching a new district podcast: Let's Talk, HCS!

• Transcript