HCS Talks - featuring Superintendent, Dr. Raymond Haynes

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with two longtime Hampton City Schools bus drivers whose combined service spans more than a century. They share stories from their decades behind the wheel, reflect on how school transportation has changed, and discuss the lasting relationships they’ve built with generations of students. From making sure students get to school safely to offering encouragement and a familiar, reassuring face each morning, they explain why being a bus driver is about so much more than driving a bus.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes welcomes Tanisha Davis, Hampton City Schools’ 2026–27 High School Teacher of the Year. The Kecoughtan High School English teacher talks about returning to the division where her career began and guiding students toward adulthood. From everyday conversations to lessons in self-expression, Davis explains how she helps students build confidence, communicate effectively, and learn from setbacks. She also shares how a former student’s letter reaffirmed her purpose and offers advice for new teachers finding their way in the classroom.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Belynda Kirby, the 2026–27 Hampton City Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year. A seventh-grade U.S. history teacher at Lindsay Middle School, Kirby shares her journey from parent volunteer and substitute teacher to discovering her passion for education. She discusses building trusting relationships with students, creating a welcoming classroom, and helping young people develop communication skills as they prepare for high school. Kirby also shares how starting and coaching Lindsay’s girls’ flag football team provides opportunities for students to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, and reflects on the determination her students show both in and beyond the classroom.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Erin Miller, the 2026–27 Hampton City Schools Teacher of the Year and the school division’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year. A Hampton native and Armstrong School for the Arts educator, Miller shares her journey from wanting to become a teacher as a child to an 18-year career in education. She discusses the relationships she builds with students, creating a classroom where students feel comfortable speaking up and collaborating, and the lessons students have taught her along the way.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes continues his conversations with students by visiting Aberdeen Elementary School and Jones Magnet Middle School. Maribel Desmond and Damarko Pannell Jr. share what they enjoy about being Aberdeen Lions, from seeing friends and meeting their teachers to being part of a strong school community. At Jones, Christian Gordon and Wisdom Armstrong talk about the start of their eighth-grade year, their favorite parts of middle school, and preparing for the transition to high school. Through their honest and fun perspectives, these younger students give listeners a glimpse into what the first weeks of school look and feel like through their eyes.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Josiah Porter Jordan and Nadia Malone, students at Phoebus High School, to hear their perspectives and experiences as Hampton City Schools students. Through their conversation, they share their journeys, the opportunities that have shaped them, and what it means to be part of the Phoebus High School community. This student-led discussion highlights the power of student voice and the unique experiences helping prepare young people for their futures.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Kara Hart, school counselor at Bryan Elementary School, who was recently named the Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Hart shares her journey into school counseling, the importance of building strong relationships with students and families, and how counseling supports the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every child. The conversation highlights the impact of student support services and celebrates the statewide recognition of Hart’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping students thrive.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Col. Steven Dillenburger, Deputy Commander at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, to discuss the strong partnership between the military and Hampton City Schools. They explore how the division supports military-connected students and families, the importance of adaptability and resilience, and the shared commitment to student success. The conversation highlights how collaboration with JBLE helps create supportive, responsive school environments for a highly mobile military community.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes speaks with Hampton High School freshmen Sheldon Wallace and Khyler Synaker about their student-led initiative, Cuts and Conversations. What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful program that provides free haircuts alongside meaningful conversations to support student confidence, mental health, and a sense of belonging. Through partnerships with local barbers and community members, these students are creating safe spaces for their peers to open up, build connections, and grow as leader while demonstrating the impact of student voice and service in action.

In this episode of HCS Talks, Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes sits down with Dr. Dan Bowling, Chief Operations Officer, to discuss the many capital improvement projects happening across Hampton City Schools. They explore how renovations, upgrades, and long-term planning are transforming school facilities into modern, safe, and engaging learning environments. From infrastructure updates to future-ready design, the conversation highlights how these investments directly support student success and strengthen the entire school community.