More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public Schools

From the stage to the studio, the fine arts play a vital role in helping students discover their talents, build confidence, and express their creativity. In this episode of More to the Story, we sit down with Laura Hobby to explore the many opportunities available to students through Hillsborough County Public Schools' Fine Arts programs.

From elementary school performances to nationally recognized programs, you'll hear how the arts inspire innovation, strengthen student engagement, and create meaningful connections across our schools and communities.

Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or arts enthusiast, this episode offers an...

What happens when learning goes beyond the classroom walls?

In this episode of More to the Story, we explore Hillsborough County Public Schools' expanded academic field trip opportunities with Shana Tirado and Jessica Kepa from the Academic Services team. Learn how millage funding is making it possible for every PreK-8 student to participate in curriculum-connected field trips at no cost to families, creating real-world learning experiences that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and expand opportunities for all students.

In this episode of More to the Story, we sit down with Christopher Jargo and Larissa Lizarraga from our Career and Technical Education team to discuss how CTE programs help students discover their interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for future careers.

Whether your child is already exploring career interests or just beginning to think about the future, this episode offers valuable insight into the programs helping students find their path.

Music education is about so much more than learning notes and rhythms. It helps students build confidence, creativity, discipline, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of More to the Story, Tracy Lisi, Supervisor of Elementary Music Education, and Jon Sever, Supervisor of Secondary Music Education, discuss the many music opportunities available to students across Hillsborough County Public Schools.

This episode, we sit down with Denee Upshaw, Director of Virtual Instruction, to pull back the curtain on Hillsborough Virtual School - how it works, who it's for, and why some families are choosing it for one or two classes for their child to full virtual instruction.

Season 2 of More to the Story, the official podcast of Hillsborough County Public Schools, begins with a special conversation featuring Superintendent Van Ayres.

In this episode, Superintendent Ayres reflects on the district's recent progress, discusses the opportunities ahead, and shares his vision for continuing to serve the students, families, and employees of HCPS. From academic achievement and innovation to community partnerships and what’s next for the district, this conversation offers an inside look at the work happening across one of the nation's largest school districts.

This episode is all about student perspective — because who better to tell the story of our schools than the students who have lived it every day?

From their first days in kindergarten to their final year of high school, students experience so much growth, learning, and change along the way.

Today, I’m joined by two of our high school seniors, Ella Connell and Dillon Colaso, who are here to reflect on their K–12 journey, share what has stood out to them, and talk about what’s next as they prepare to graduate.

For this episode, we’re today we’re celebrating a milestone worth recognizing.

Our district has reached the highest graduation rate in our history — 90.9 percent, and when looking at traditional high schools alone, that number climbs to 93 percent! Behind every one of those percentages is a student, a story, and a team of educators working together to help that student reach one of the most meaningful milestones in their academic journey — walking across the stage to receive their diploma.

Joining the podcast today to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes to make that mom...

For this episode, we’re talking about something that plays a critical role in the success of our schools — advocacy.

Behind every program, every opportunity, and every support system for students, there are leaders working to ensure schools have the resources they need to serve children well — not just at the local level, but at the state level too.

Joining the podcast today is Patti Rendon, a member of our School Board and a strong supporter of public education who also serves as an advocate for our schools with legislators.

For this episode, we are talking about something that impacts every classroom, every family, and every student — mental health and overall well-being. We know that for students to learn and thrive, they must first feel safe, supported, and connected. And increasingly, schools play a critical role in supporting not just academic success, but the whole child. Joining the conversation is Karen Perez, Chair of our School Board, who has been a strong advocate for student mental health and well-being.

Each year, we recognize an educator who represents the very best of our profession — someone who inspires students, uplifts colleagues, and reminds us why teaching is one of the most meaningful callings there is. On this episode, we’re joined by our district Teacher of the Year, Christi Atkinson, who is here to share her journey, her passion for teaching, and what this recognition means — not just personally, but for her students and school community.

For this episode, we’re talking about something that makes a powerful difference in a child’s education — family and community engagement. We know that student success doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes strong schools, supportive families, and a connected community all working together. When those pieces align, students are more engaged, more confident, and more likely to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Joining the discussion is Dr. Felita Lewis, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement.

The role of a principal is complex. It requires vision, resilience, decision-making, and accountability. But the very best school leaders bring something more — they lead with heart. Joining the podcast for this episode is Latonya Anderson Rhodes, principal of Jennings Middle School. She’s here to share what it means to lead with compassion, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in students.

This episode is all about history, not just what’s in textbooks, but what’s lived, remembered, and carried forward. We’re joined by Shake Washington, who brings a powerful, full-circle perspective shaped by decades in education as a student, educator, school leader, and now a School Board member. He shares his journey, reflects on pivotal moments in history, and explains how those experiences continue to shape his leadership today.

In this episode, we’re focusing on something at the heart of our mission: ensuring every student is seen, supported, and able to thrive. We’re highlighting Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and how our district supports students with diverse learning needs from early childhood through graduation and beyond. Joining the conversation is Shannon Lesperance, Director of Exceptional Student Education.

For this episode, we’re talking about a big question many students — and families — are asking: What comes next after high school? For some students, that path may include college. For others, it may be a technical program, military service, or entering the workforce. The important thing is that students have guidance, support, and a plan that reflects their goals and interests. Joining me today to talk about how students can navigate those choices is Ansberto Vallejo, Supervisor of Adult and Community Education.

In this episode, we focus on an issue that is more important than ever—protecting our students and helping them stay safe in an increasingly digital world. We’re joined by School Board Member Lynn Gray, a long‑time advocate for student safety, who brings important perspective on topics such as human trafficking awareness and online protection. Together, we explore why these conversations matter, what families and schools should be paying attention to, and how education plays a critical role in prevention and awareness.

For this episode, we’re talking about leadership — the kind that sets vision, makes policy, and helps guide the 7th largest school district in the country. Joining us today is Nadia Combs, the Vice Chair of our School Board. She shares what drives her work and the importance of public education.

For this episode, we’re talking about something that touches every subject, every classroom, and every student — literacy. Literacy is so much more than the ability to read at an early age. It’s about comprehension, communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage with the world — from elementary classrooms to advanced high school coursework and beyond. Tracie Bergman, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, joins us for this very important topic.

Families entrust us with their children every single school day. Creating safe, secure learning environments isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility we take seriously across every school in our district. In this important episode, we’re joined by John Newman, Chief of Security & Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Education’s 2026 Florida Safety Specialist of the Year, to talk about how we keep students and staff safe.

For this episode, we’re talking about one of the most important stages in a child’s education — early childhood. Dr. Emily Cimino, Director of Early Childhood shares the power of early childhood education — and the opportunities our district offers families.

In this episode, we explore the accelerated programs and academic pathways available to students at Hillsborough County Public Schools with Jazheel Lenegar, Executive Director of Instructional Support, and Brian Hoover, Director of Accelerated and Magnet Programs.

Join us for a 15-minute conversation with Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres. Born and raised in Tampa, educated in HCPS classrooms, and inspired by parents who were educators, Ayres’ path to leadership feels almost destined. Today, he’s at the helm of the nation’s seventh-largest school district—and sharing his story with us.