Episodes

  • Episode 115

    Episode 115
    Jun 22 2026
    This week we’re visiting with former North Side basketball great Sha Brooks. One of the most decorated student‑athletes in North Side history, Sha finished her career with 2,030 points, 593 rebounds, and 487 assists while leading the Lady Indians to the 2004 and 2005 state tournaments. She continued her career at the University of Florida, where she earned All‑SEC Freshman honors and was named All‑SEC in 2009. Sha became Florida’s all‑time leader in made free throws and games started, surpassing 1,000 career points before being selected in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. In 2017, she was honored as an SEC Legend.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 114

    Episode 114
    Jun 14 2026
    We're sitting down with former JMCSS educator Mona Lisa Lanier to celebrate her lasting impact on both the district and the Jackson community as a longtime dance instructor. We'll discuss her nearly three decades of service with JMCSS, the work she continues today through her dance studio, and hear stories from her family's popular 1970s and 1980s singing group, Lanier and Company, also known as The Jacksonians.
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    31 mins
  • Episode 113

    Episode 113
    Jun 7 2026
    Dr. Wesley Johnson is joining Jackson-Madison County Schools as the new Chief Portfolio Officer. A former South Side Hawk, he returns to West Tennessee after building an impressive career in the charter school sector. In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares his journey from growing up in Denmark, Tennessee, to helping shape educational opportunities in the Memphis-Shelby County area over the past decade. We'll discuss leadership, school options, student success, and what he hopes to accomplish in his new role with JMCSS.
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    29 mins
  • Episode 112

    Episode 112
    May 31 2026
    We’re breaking the rules on Episode 112 by talking about the first day of school right after the year ends. You’ll hear from two incoming principals — Dr. DeCourtney Turner at JCT and Priscilla Duvall at Andrew Jackson — as they share what it’s like to step into new leadership roles. Former Haywood County Superintendent Teresa Russell explains why she’s choosing JMCSS, and Greater Jackson Chamber president and CEO Kyle Spurgeon highlights how flag football can expand leadership opportunities for students. This is Episode 112 of the JMCSS podcast For the District.
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    30 mins
  • Episode 111

    Episode 111
    May 11 2026
    In this episode, we explore the power of Career and Technical Education at North Side High School. Host Greg Hammond sits down with Frank J. Bohanek, Associate Instructor of Automotive Technology for both North Side and TCAT Jackson, and Danielle Shaw‑Jones Grant, North Side’s BioSTEM teacher. Together, they share how hands‑on learning, industry‑aligned training, and real‑world problem‑solving are preparing students for high‑skill, high‑demand careers across West Tennessee. Listeners will hear how programs like Automotive Technology and BioSTEM are shaping confident, career‑ready students
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    29 mins
  • Episode 110

    Episode 110
    Apr 27 2026
    This morning we’re visiting with Tony Black — a name synonymous with Jackson athletics and community recreation. You know him from his years as Director of the TR White Sportsplex and, for the past two decades, as the Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Jackson. Today, we’re excited to share some big news: Tony is bringing his leadership and experience to JMCSS, where he will serve as our first full‑time districtwide Athletic Director.
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    29 mins
  • Episode 109

    Episode 109
    Apr 19 2026
    Team 38301C High Voltage from Madison Academic Magnet High School is gearing up for the global stage as they head to the 2026 VEX V5 Robotics World Championship in St. Louis. We’ll preview the event with Engineering Design teacher and robotics coach Kyle Wallace, along with High Voltage team members Landon Smith, Nicholas Blondet, and Elijah Benson.
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    30 mins
  • Episode 108

    Episode 108
    Mar 16 2026
    Today, we’re discussing the LOOP (Local Options and Opportunities Program). This initiative is a unique work-based learning opportunity in which students attend a modified school day for academic credit, followed by a work-based experience at their industry placement for the remainder of the day. This experience takes place at the industry site instead of the traditional high school. Our guests include: Nicholas Harris, JMCSS District Support Advisor for Workforce Development; Amari Ingram of North Side; Astria Godwin of North Side; Lyla Cox of South Side; Elly Ann Ruthledge of JASA and Bryan Hart of Liberty.
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    31 mins