TSBA: Your Education Source Podcast

In today's episode, Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Deputy Superintendent of Knox County Schools and Mayor Glenn Jacobs of Knox County, discuss how the students of Knox County Schools and the local government collaborate to raise money in an effort to meet the needs of military veterans in this local community by constructing a tiny home community. Learn how this collective effort of hard-work and fund-raising a...

In today's episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools and Pastor Garry Martin of Jackson First Assembly of God, a local church in Jackson, TN, discuss how the students of Jackson-Madison County Schools, the local church, and community at-large have come together to raise money in an effort to meet the needs of the students and families within their communit...

In this episode, David Baker, TSBA President-Elect and Hardin County Vice Chairman, discusses what it means to lead from the second chair. Tune in as we explore what it means to be the Vice Chairman as well as have a strong working relationship with the Chairman as well as being in a supportive role during each board meeting. Click here if you wish to read the transcript of today's podcast episode...

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and its impact on students, schools, and communities across the state. Mark Reeves, Executive Director of TSSAA, shares insights on how TSSAA supports both athletic excellence and academic integrity. Tune in as we explore what it means to lead, play, and grow through school sports – and why it's a...

In this episode, we join Missy Testerman, Rogersville City School, as she discusses her achievement as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year and shares her journey from the classroom to national recognition. Tune in as she provides insights into her teaching philosophy, innovative practices, and strategies on building meaningful connections to students, families, and community. Click here if you w...

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of "Ask the Attorney" focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from "what is the function of the policy committee" to "how can a board member propose a policy change" are tackled during today's episode. Cli...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that's empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White County Schools; Candice Allen, A/V Teacher at Whi...

In this episode, we're excited to discuss TSBA's latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it's essential for school board members to stay informed. Whether you...

Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton County) welcome all new school board members and share...

In today's episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are essential in board governance. 

In today's episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants explore education issues and gain an understanding o...

In today's episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today's episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.

In today's episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. Listen today to hear insights on how they have structu...

In today's episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director  dlowrie@benlomand.net Jake Davis, TBN State President sctnbassnation@g...

In today's episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to learn how to access the different types of data availa...

[Re-Air] In today's episode, I'm speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her duties in an efficient manner.

In today's episode, Dr. Steve Barnett , Director of Schools for Johnson City Schools, Kathy Hall , Chair of the Johnson City Board of Education, and Dr. Greg Wallace , Supervisor of Safety and Mental Health discuss Johnson City Schools' Heroes Program – a comprehensive set of services designed to meet a wide range of student mental health and safety needs – and how it has benefitted their students...

In today's episode, Brian Hutto, Director of Schools of Lebanon Special Schools, Mike Kurtz, Director of Operations, and Officer Dusty Burton share the importance of school safety and introduce Blaze, their newest resource to ensure that all students and district employees are safe while at school. Listen in as they explain why the Lebanon Special Board of Education felt this program was needed wi...

In today's episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of "Ask the Attorney" focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from "what is the function of the policy committee" to "how can a board member propose a policy change" are tackled during today's episode.

In today's episode, Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools for Cheatham County Schools, and David Risner, Board Chairman of the Cheatham County Board of Education, share the importance of becoming the first school district in Tennessee to be named a Unified Champion District by the Special Olympics. Join us as they cover the steps the district took to achieve this designation as well as the importanc...

The Tennessee School Boards Association maintains an awards program that, each year, recognizes school board members who have gone above and beyond for their school district. In today's episode, Brittany Massey, Director of Finance and Member Services, and Sandy Jones, Board of Directors Services Coordinator, cover the different types of awards and recognitions available for school board members t...

In today's episode, Nathan Abbott, Information Systems Manager with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Local Government Audit, provides an in-depth overview of cybersecurity and speaks to why it is important for school districts to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect their digital assets. Show Notes: Below are a few websites mentioned during today's...

In today's episode, Patty Thomas, Director of Career & Technical Education, Federal Programs, & Nursing Services for Alcoa City Schools, discusses Careers in Motion, a program that encourages students to participate in CTE opportunities. Careers in Motion is a grant-funded project awarded by Pathways TN and the Tennessee Department of Education to Alcoa City Schools, Blount County Schools, and Mar...

In today's episode, Greg Mays, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, speaks about the SafeTN app and explains why this platform is vital when keeping our schools safe. Listen in as he provides background information as to why such an application is needed and why it is important to create a positive environment on reporting within a school district. For m...

In today's episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Greg Hammond, Chief Public Information Officer, discuss why communication is key at Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen in as they cover the different methods of communication that they have implemented to foster relationships with their employees, students, parents, and the community. To learn more about their dist...