In this compelling episode, Dr. Jenkins is joined by Greg Jones, president of the NAACP-Dane County Branch. Mr. Jones shares his experiences of migrating to Wisconsin from Mississippi in the 1970s while desegregation was continuing to occur in public schools and higher education institutions. They discuss the importance of voting, the advocacy work of the NAACP, the promise of the U.S. Constitution, and the significance of reading proficiency and early literacy.

In this episode, we hear from Cedric Hodo, senior executive director of building services and operations. They discuss the challenges faced this year by food & nutrition services, and what’s on the culinary horizon. We also hear about referendum construction, including the 41 new playgrounds across the district, gender-neutral restrooms, ADA accessibility, and the creation of new arts and music learning spaces.

Dr. Floyd Rose, president of the 100 Black Men of Madison, joins Superintendent Jenkins to talk about the impact of the African American History Bowl on students, families, and the community. They also discuss the importance of history, and recent decisions by the College Board.

Superintendent Carlton Jenkins is joined by Dr. Deb Hoffman, an associate superintendent of elementary schools at MMSD. Dr. Hoffman shares how she is using her years of experience as a school principal to inform district-level work of improving outcomes for all scholars. They also discuss mindfulness and social-emotional well-being, the elementary curriculum adoption, and the importance of learning in diverse spaces.

“Differences are assets.” That’s what guest Carlettra Stanford, Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools and MMSD alumna, points to as a strength of the Madison community. This episode touches on continual growth, leadership, and uplifts Goal Three of the Strategic Framework. Dr. Jenkins continues the conversation of early literacy and the district’s new elementary curriculum.

Dr. Jenkins has a conversation with Cindy Green, Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, centered around the Science of Reading. They discuss the district’s focus on early literacy, MMSD’s historic elementary curriculum adoption, and the work happening to ensure all students are prepared for future success post-graduation.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins is joined by Tamuriel Grace, MMSD’s Associate Superintendent of Engagement. They discuss the impact of the Village Builders project, how it’s bringing the community into our schools to increase student and family engagement, and a recent $1M donation from Community in Schools.

In this episode, MMSD’s District Athletic Director, Jeremy Schlitz and Dr. Jenkins discuss the impact and correlation of co-curriculars on students' academic success, specifically related to marginalized populations. The conversation touches on Athletic Director Schultz's leadership and advocacy locally, statewide and nationally along with the athletic alumni community giving back to MMSD. 

In this thought-provoking episode, MMSD’s Associate Superintendent of Middle Schools, Dr. Angie Hicks shares what it was like to grow up in Madison after the civil rights movement. The conversation moves to integration, educational disparities, and why she is compelled to serve this community.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins is joined by Associate Superintendent of High Schools, Ennis Harvey. They speak about Mr. Harvey’s background, and how MMSD high schools have been collaborating around best practices. Together, they have a powerful conversation about race, equity, and the continued social justice pandemic.