In this reflective end of the year closing conversation, Dr. Spates and Dr. Franklin explore what it truly means to lead schools as collaborative communities rather than hierarchical organizations. From designing the master schedule as a whole-school effort to building authentic trust with teams, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership practices strengthen both systems and relationships.

Dr. Spates emphasizes that effective leadership is not about working in isolation or making decisions behind closed doors. Instead, it is about creating structures where educators co-design programs, propose innovative courses, and share ownership of student success.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that when teams feel seen, heard, and valued, the bar for excellence rises naturally—because everyone knows they belong to the work and to each other.

✨ Episode Takeaways

• Dr. Spates emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in schools.
• Building relationships with staff is crucial for effective leadership.
• Data-driven decision-making is essential for school improvement.
• Celebrating staff contributions fosters a positive school culture.
• Listening to feedback from staff can lead to meaningful changes.
• Creating opportunities for collaboration enhances team dynamics.
• Recognizing student achievements is vital for motivation.
• Emotional intelligence plays a key role in leadership success.
• Engaging families in the school community strengthens support.
• Personal experiences shape leadership philosophies and practices.

💭 Sound Bites

• "Everything matters in education."
• "We all own the data now."
• "We can't do the work on our own."

🔑 Keywords

leadership, education, community, belonging, student success, relationships, school improvement, emotional intelligence, teaching, principal

🚌 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 Dr. Gregor Franklin

USC Rossier Breakthrough Leadership Institute Summer Professional Learning:

https://rossierprolearn.usc.edu/2026-bli-info/

Website: USC Rossier School of Education Doctoral Program in Education Leadership

Email: gfrankli@usc.edu

📸 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.