S1E7 - Hector Becerra: Serving Kids, Staff, and Community - The CUSD Way

S1E7 - Hector Becerra: Serving Kids, Staff, and Community - The CUSD Way

SHOW NOTES: HECTOR BECERRA In this episode of the Doc B Podcast, host Aaron Cook sits down with Lieutenant Hector Becerra of the Clovis Unified School District Police Department to talk about what school safety looks like when it’s built on relationships, visibility, and trust. Lt. Becerra shares how an elementary-school police K9 demonstration first planted the seed for law enforcement, why he paid his way through the academy, and what he learned across 20 years with Fresno PD before coming to Clovis Unified. He explains why CUSD’s model is different—less “traditional policing,” more connection and prevention—and how student relationships can stop problems before they ever start. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT * The moment in elementary school that first inspired Hector to become a police officer * How a conversation with his dad—and a Fresno PD hiring push—set his career in motion * Why he chose Clovis Unified after retirement, and what surprised him about the culture * The “rover” role, working elementary sites, and why Buchanan became such a meaningful assignment * What changes when you move from a school site to supervision—and why he misses daily student connections * How relationships and student trust helped lead to zero fights during his final year at Buchanan * Why CUSD campus policing emphasizes presence, prevention, and mentoring over being “stat-driven” * What a “great day” looks like: visible officers, positive interactions, and nothing happening * https://www.cusd.com/police-department What he wants parents to understand about campus police—and the importance of respectful communication * The advice he gives students who want to become police officers: education and life experience first * Who taught him “the Clovis Unified way,” and what “Students at the Center” means in his work MEMORABLE THEMES AND MOMENTS * Relationships prevent problems : students share information early so issues can be addressed before they escalate * “My little satellites” : the power of students who trust you enough to speak up * Visibility matters : a calm, consistent presence can deter problems and reassure families * Respect goes a long way : treating students (and parents) with dignity—even in tough moments * School policing is different : the goal is mentoring, connection, and helping kids grow—not just enforcement * Students are the future : investing in kids now shapes who they become later https://www.cusd.com/police-departmentSic’ Em! This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com].

S1E6 - Troy Tirapelle: High Standards, High Achievement

SHOW NOTES: TROY TIRAPELLE In this episode of the Doc B Podcast, host Aaron Cook sits down with Coach Troy Tirapelle, a Clovis Unified alum and the head coach who has helped build Buchanan Wrestling into a California powerhouse, leading the Bears to eight State Championships. Coach Tirapelle shares the story of coming home to Clovis after competing at the NCAA level, why he believes public education matters, and how the values behind Buchanan Wrestling go far beyond trophies. For Troy, wrestling is a tool for teaching students how to handle adversity, live with accountability, and become the kind of people who give back. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT * Why Troy’s degree is in advertising/marketing —and how teaching/coaching found him anyway * How Clovis Unified and college wrestling shaped his belief: everyone meets the same standard * The “secret” behind sustained success: process over outcomes , and a program built to serve kids * The culture non-negotiables: accountability, character, and team before individual * How annual team mottos (like “self vs. selfless” ) become daily practice—not just wall décor * Doc Buchanan’s influence on the program—and why Troy believes Clovis must fight to keep core values alive * A powerful mindset lesson: “Are you the chicken or the pig?” (commitment vs. convenience) * Teaching athletes to win with class and lose with dignity —and to respond with action, not excuses * Why Troy will protect the team culture, even when it means making hard decisions * What leadership looks like when it’s real: relationships, trust, and kids who would “go to heck and back” for you * How he balances being a coach who calls his athletes “my kids” while still being a dad at home * The legacy he hopes every wrestler takes: give back, serve others, and raise the people around you MEMORABLE THEMES AND MOMENTS * “High standards and high expectations lead to high achievement.” * Accountability: self → each other → team → individual * Service-based leadership: “It’s not about me.” * Relationships change everything: showing up, noticing kids, and connecting outside the classroom. Don’t ever forget our motto—Sic’ Em! This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com].

S1E5 - Rick Watson: Building CART

SHOW NOTES: RICK WATSON In this episode of the Doc B Podcast, host Aaron Cook talks with Rick Watson, CEO of the Center for Advanced Research and Technology (CART) and a 39-year veteran of Clovis Unified. Rick shares his “bookend” career—14 years at Clovis High and 14 years at CART—and the relationships, mentors, and leadership lessons that shaped his journey from science teacher to district leader. Rick also tells the origin story of CART: how a superintendent’s early technology vision grew into a unique partnership between Clovis Unified and Fresno Unified, creating a project-based, career-connected learning environment that continues to thrive 25 years later. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT * Why Rick didn’t plan to become a teacher—until graduate school changed his mind * Getting hired in 1987 and the memorable experience of interviewing with Doc Buchanan * What made the culture at Clovis High so strong—and why “Leading Through Relationships” still matters * Rick’s early involvement in CART’s formation (including the biomedicine lab ) before returning years later as an administrator * How CART started as a technology/professional development vision , then evolved into a career technical education model with industry partners * Why CART works with two districts , and how the 50/50 staff model and shared student population strengthen the campus culture * What makes CART feel different for students: teams, deadlines, workplace-like expectations, and hands-on learning * A powerful full-circle story: a former student returning to CART as a teacher * Retirement reflections: legacy, community impact, and giving back beyond the role * Why Rick believes “Autonomy With Responsibility” best captures CART’s identity and teaching model * Advice to new educators: be patient, be humble, build relationships, partner with families, and protect time for your own family MEMORABLE THEMES AND MOMENTS * “Once a Cougar, Always a Cougar.” Culture is built by people and relationships. * “When you’re at CART, you’re CART.” Students keep their homeschool pride—but find a new community here. * Legacy isn’t something you think about at the end—Doc’s reminder: build it daily. * Autonomy + responsibility : teacher creativity thrives when expectations stay high. Don’t ever forget our motto—Sic’ Em! This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com].

S1E4 - Jeanette Garcia: Service, Standards, and Clovis Unified

SHOW NOTES: JEANETTE GARCIA In this episode of the Doc B Podcast, Aaron Cook sits down with Jeanette Garcia, an Educational Services administrative assistant who has served Clovis Unified since 2004—and who also knows the district as a CUSD parent. Jeanette shares the honest story of what first brought her to Clovis (benefits and stability), and what made her stay: the people, the standards, and a culture built on taking care of each other. From her years in Sports & Rec supporting schools across the district to her current work in Educational Services, Jeanette offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to serve school sites well—and why protecting Clovis Unified’s core values matters more than ever. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT * How Jeanette found her way to Clovis Unified after an early interview rejection—and why she tried again * The “embarrassing” but real reason she made the jump: benefits, retirement, and stability for her young family * Learning Doc Buchanan’s vision secondhand through leaders like Dennis Lindsay * A defining culture moment: the 2008–09 furlough era and choosing sacrifice together over layoffs * Seeing Clovis Unified through a parent lens—especially the selflessness of coaches * Why Jeanette believes parents have a responsibility to step in and support schools * What she learned working districtwide in Sports & Rec : access, consistency, and serving all kids * Why she moved into Educational Services —and what that division actually supports (far more than people realize) * Mentors who shaped her: * Dennis Lindsay and accountability (“If I need to do that, what do I need you for?”) * Steve France and the mindset of “find a way” * Dr. Young and leading with heart * Her approach to service at the district office: take the burden off sites, don’t send it back * The quote that anchors her work ethic (John Wooden): do it right the first time * What she hopes Clovis protects moving forward: high standards and students at the center of every decision MEMORABLE LINES AND THEMES * “We should be service-oriented.” * “If somebody called me… my responsibility now is to help them get what they need.” * “If you set the bar high, you’re going to try to achieve it.” * “Students at the center of every decision.” TAKEAWAY Jeanette’s story is a reminder that culture isn’t sustained by slogans—it’s sustained by people who quietly do the work, do it right, and refuse to let “not my job” creep into the system. Don’t ever forget our motto—Sic’ Em! This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com].

S1E3 - Norm Anderson: Coaching, Community, and Clovis Unified

SHOW NOTES: NORM ANDERSON In this episode of the Doc B Podcast, Aaron Cook talks with Norm Anderson, Clovis Unified Deputy Superintendent and proud Clovis Unified alum. Norm shares how his story began as a student who bounced between schools, found belonging through tennis, and eventually returned to Clovis Unified as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader. From the people who pushed him, to the philosophies that anchor his decisions today, this conversation is a reminder that the real legacy of Clovis Unified is built through relationships, high expectations, and doing the work together. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT * Norm’s journey as a student: five elementary schools , then Clark and Clovis High * How tennis became a turning point—belonging, accountability, and a “second family” * The surprising reason he went to college: one conversation , one coach, and one best friend * The moment he decided to become a teacher—sparked by a magazine, a counseling center, and a new vision * Mentors who shaped his leadership: * Coach Ramage and the power of standards + accountability * Carlo Prandini and the idea that leadership is a verb * A vivid memory of being interviewed by Doc Buchanan —and what it revealed about Clovis culture * How Norm saw Clovis Unified show up for his own kids—and why “Hiring is the Most Important Thing We Do” is personal * What anchors hard decisions at the district level: students first , even when the easy button is tempting * The role of the community in healthy schools—and why relationships aren’t just for “times of need” * Advice to new teachers and administrators: lean on each other and protect the culture of working together MEMORABLE IDEAS FROM NORM * “Leadership is a verb.” * Great coaches and leaders make everyone feel seen , valued , and part of something bigger. * True leadership shows up in how well things run one year after you leave . TAKEAWAY Norm’s story is a full-circle Clovis Unified journey—and a clear message that what makes this place different isn’t a program. It’s the people, the relationships, and the shared commitment to do what’s best for kids. Don’t ever forget our motto—Sic’ Em! This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com].