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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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