Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

Ep 25 | Season 1 Finale

24 CONVERSATIONS LATER: WHAT THIS SEASON TAUGHT ME ABOUT LEADERSHIP Monday was my last day on calendar for the school year. A few days later, my family and I headed to Lake Arrowhead for some much-needed rest and reflection. If you know me, you know I love being outside. There is something about the trees, the mountains, and the water that soothes my soul. Sitting in an Airbnb cabin overlooking beautiful Lake Arrowhead, I decided to record the Season One finale of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates. After 24 conversations with educators, leaders, parents, advocates, and changemakers, I decided to take one final ride before summer break and reflect on the lessons that challenged, affirmed, and changed me as a school leader. What began as a desire to learn quickly became something much more meaningful. These conversations stretched my thinking, reinforced my beliefs, challenged my assumptions, and ultimately shaped the way I lead. In this special season finale, I share five key leadership lessons that emerged from this season of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates and how those lessons continue to shape my work as a principal. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: 🚌 Why relationships remain the foundation of every great school 🚌 What students taught me about belonging, challenge, and possibility 🚌 The importance of viewing parents and caregivers as true partners 🚌 Why courage is a requirement for leadership 🚌 The role hope plays in creating meaningful change in schools 🚌 Why care may be the most underrated superpower in education 🚌 Reflections on closing one chapter and preparing for a new opportunity as a high school principal THOUGHT "You can never outwork or outperform somebody who cares." THANK YOU FOR RIDING ALONG As we close Season One, I want to thank every guest who shared their wisdom, every listener who spent time with us each week, and every educator, caregiver, and student who inspires this work. We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together. Until then, enjoy a well-deserved summer of rest, reflection, and renewal. Thank you for riding on the school bus with me. We have already begun recording Season Two and will return September 1, 2026, with new conversations, new ideas, and new opportunities to learn together. Connect with Dr. Spates 🌐 Website: KrishnaSpates.com 🎙️ Podcast Website: OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com 📧 Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com 📱 Follow: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

Ep 24 | Hope Isn’t a Strategy: Dr. David Cash on Relentless School Leadership for Equity & Innovation

In this engaging conversation, Dr. David Cash shares his insights on effective school leadership, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of equity in schools. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Cash explores how leaders can create lasting change by listening deeply, building trust, and taking bold, strategic risks that put students, families, and communities first. If you’re a TK–12 school leader seeking authentic strategies, professional growth, and hope-filled inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 Key Takeaways * Focus leadership on children, parents, and communities. * Listen deeply—especially in politically charged climates. * Real change starts with community collaboration and understanding. * Small wins can lead to larger systemic shifts. * Support and empower informal leaders in your team. * Transparency builds trust during bold change. * Hope isn’t a strategy—focus on doing the work well. * Stay relentless in pursuing equity and innovation. * Take quiet reflection time to lead with clarity. 🕒 Chapters 00:00 – Navigating Political and Social Challenges in Education 07:46 – Creative Strategies for Addressing Inequities 13:36 – Empowering Leaders at All Levels 17:09 – Engaging the Community for Student Success 20:23 – Balancing Boldness with Strategy in Leadership 27:22 – The Importance of Hope and Courage in Education 32:33 – Taking Risks for Positive Impact 36:37 – Personal Reflections and Leadership Strategies 🎧 Memorable Sound Bites * “Hope is essential, but not a strategy.” * “It’s about the kids.” * “You have to be relentless in change.” 🔑 Keywords leadership, education, equity, innovation, community engagement, risk-taking, school leadership, strategies, mentorship, professional development, teacher leadership, courageous leadership, K–12 education, educational change, superintendent insights, school transformation 👤 Guest Dr. David Cash Clinical Professor, University of Southern California Rossier School of Education (USC) | Retired Superintendent | Trial Lawyer 📧 Email: cashcounsel@gmail.com [cashcounsel@gmail.com] 🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: 1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and 2. The once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production. Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” Artist: Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. All rights reserved. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

Ep 23 | George Couros on the 80/80 Rule: What Actually Moves Schools Forward

In Episode 23 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I had the opportunity to sit down with George Couros to talk about what it really means to move from conflict to community in today’s schools. This conversation pushed my thinking as a leader. We talked about how shifting from “buy-in” to true ownership can transform a school community, and how creating space for people to contribute their ideas leads to stronger, more sustainable change. We also explored the role of AI in education—how it can create tension, but also opportunity when approached with intentionality and a focus on learning. George reminded me that innovation isn’t about the tools we use, but about the mindset we bring and the relationships we build. If you’re leading through change, resistance, or uncertainty, this episode will challenge you to reflect, listen, and lead in a way that moves your community forward while honoring relationships and staying grounded in what matters most—our students. Episode Takeaways * Ownership over buy-in leads to stronger, more sustainable change * The best ideas in a school can come from anyone—leaders must create space for them * AI should be introduced through experience and value, not mandates or fear * Leadership starts with self-reflection—point at yourself first * Inviting challenge builds trust and strengthens community * Spend time developing those who are ready to grow—the 80/80 mindset * Listening to even one voice can move an entire organization forward * Growth requires courage—don’t get used to environments that limit your potential * Celebrate your growth—clap for yourself and recognize progress Practical Leadership Moves * Replace “buy-in” with co-creation and ownership * Invite dissent in the room, not in the parking lot * Start AI conversations with concerns first, then possibilities * Model learning—don’t mandate it * Create systems that elevate all voices, not just the loudest * Focus your energy on those ready to grow—they will influence others * Be transparent when decisions are non-negotiable 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with George Couros Website & Blog: https://georgecouros.com Purchase the Books on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/George-Couros/author/B016Z06O5S?ccs_id=ed64d1a6-ff20-4a54-9944-56cc23d1c625] Blog Post On Becoming a Writer: hhttps://georgecouros.com/want-to-write-a-book-start-a-blog/ [https://georgecouros.com/want-to-write-a-book-start-a-blog/] Email: georgecouros@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecourosim/ The Innovators Mindset Podcast: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovators-mindset-podcast/id1155968930 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3UU0vQeUPnCEhZVUoZT76v * Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-427776484 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

In Episode 22 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Arby Jean Wolkov, an American Sign Language teacher and one of California’s 2025 Teachers of the Year. Arby shares her journey from being an English language learner to becoming a statewide leader in Deaf education. We explore what high-quality ASL instruction looks like, why language access is critical for Deaf and hard of hearing students, and how schools can create environments where all students feel connected and included. Arby also breaks down common misconceptions about the Deaf community and shares how her classroom builds real-world communication through immersive learning experiences—including interpreting live performances. This episode is a powerful reminder that when we center communication, access, and belonging, we open doors for students and communities in transformative ways.  Episode Takeaways * Language access is foundational; many Deaf students are born to hearing parents and may not have early access to language * ASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signs * High-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabulary * Immersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroom * Students build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differences * Schools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing students * ASL should be treated as a world language and career pathway—not just an elective  🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Arby Jean Wolkov Go Fund Me (Silent Weekend): https://www.gofundme.com/f/silentweekend2026 Donor's Choose (Silent Weekend): https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/aslwithmstacub Email: arbyjean.wolkov@lausd.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arby-jean-tacubw/ 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.

Ep 21 | The Parenting Conversation We’ve Been Avoiding with Jacqueline A Diaz-Fontana

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Jacqueline A. Diaz-Fontana, founder of the Erick A. Garcia You Are Enough Foundation, to explore how personal tragedy can transform into purpose that impacts entire communities and save lives. After losing her son Eric to suicide, Jacqueline made the courageous decision to share her story—not only to heal, but to help other families recognize the importance of mental health, connection, and conversation. Together, we discuss what young people are silently carrying, what parents and educators often miss, and how we can create environments where students feel safe enough to say, “I’m not okay.” This episode is both a wake-up call and a guide—filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that every child needs to know: they are enough. Episode Takeaways * Jacqueline shares how the loss of her son led her to create the You Are Enough Foundation to save lives * Parents must look beyond behavior and start deeper conversations with their children * Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful tools adults have * Mental health support should be viewed as prevention, not just crisis response * Students today are carrying anxiety, pressure, and uncertainty about their future * Educators must lead with empathy and avoid labeling students * Community partnerships with nonprofits can provide critical support for schools * Starting a nonprofit requires heart, consistency, and the courage to “do it afraid” * One conversation can change—and even save—a life * If you are a school leader, educator, or community partner looking to bring this work to your students—this is an organization to connect with. 🚨 Resources Mentioned * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or text 988) * Local Department of Mental Health services 🚌 About the Podcast So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back. As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me. 📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates Website: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.com Website: KrishnaSpates.com Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D. 📬 Connect with Jacqueline Diaz-Fontana & The Foundation Website: https://youareenoughfoundation.org [https://youareenoughfoundation.org/] Email: info@youareenoughfoundation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youareenoughfoundation 📸 Production Studio Recorded at 661 Creators Space Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com 🎼 Music Theme Song: “Call of Duty” — Mutanix Instagram: @mutanixs Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com Used with permission. 💛 Support the Work If this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.