Shows / More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public Schools
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public Schools
More than headlines. More than statistics.
This podcast from Hillsborough County Public Schools takes you inside the classrooms, hallways, and communities that shape education every day. In just 15 minutes per episode, hear real conversations with students, teachers, school leaders, families, and community partners—and see how innovation and impact unfold across HCPS. Because there’s always more to the story.
Episodes
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVolunteering: Making a Difference in Our Schools
Volunteers play an important role in supporting our students, teachers, and schools. In this episode of More to the Story, we sit down with Debra Blossom, our…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsHealthy Meals, Ready Minds: The Impact of Student Nutrition
What goes into making sure students have nutritious, appealing meals every school day? On this episode, we sit down with General Manager of Student Nutrition…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsKeeping Our Schools Safe | Chief Anthony Collins
Safety is a shared responsibility, and creating secure learning environments remains a top priority at Hillsborough County Public Schools. In this special…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsBeyond the Scoreboard: The Life-Changing Impact of School Sports with Sara Bogue
Athletics is about much more than wins and losses. In this episode of More to the Story, Hillsborough County Public Schools' first female Director of…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsSupporting English Language Learners
In this episode of More to the Story, Melissa Morgado, Director of English Language Learners, joins the podcast to discuss how Hillsborough County Public…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsLeading Transformation: Deputy Superintendent Shaylia McRae
For the first time in district history, every school in Hillsborough County Public Schools' Transformation Network earned an A, B, or C school grade. Join…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsFine Arts at 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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsLearning Outside the Classroom - Academic Field Trips
What happens when learning goes beyond the classroom walls? In this episode of More to the Story, we explore Hillsborough County Public Schools' expanded…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsCareer & Technical Education: Interests into Opportunities
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsThe Power of Music Education
Music education is about so much more than learning notes and rhythms. It helps students build confidence, creativity, discipline, collaboration skills, and a…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsSchool, Your Way: Hillsborough Virtual School
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsBack to School with Superintendent Van Ayres
Season 2 of More to the Story, the official podcast of Hillsborough County Public Schools, begins with a special conversation featuring Superintendent Van…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsStudent Voices
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsGetting to Graduation
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVoices from the School Board: Member Patti Rendon
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVoices from the School Board: School Board Chair Karen Perez
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsChristi Atkinson, 2026 Teacher of the Year!
Each year, we recognize an educator who represents the very best of our profession — someone who inspires students, uplifts colleagues, and reminds us why…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsThe Importance of Family and Community Engagement
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsLeading with Heart: A Principal's Perspective
The role of a principal is complex. It requires vision, resilience, decision-making, and accountability. But the very best school leaders bring something more…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVoices from the School Board: Henry "Shake" Washington
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsExceptional Student Education: Where Every Student Can Thrive
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsBright Futures: College & Career Pathways
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVoices from the School Board - Member Lynn Gray
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsVoices from the School Board - Vice Chair Nadia Combs
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsLiteracy at Every Level
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsKeeping Our Schools Safe - A Shared Responsibility
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsThe Importance of Early Childhood Education
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…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsAccelerated Opportunities at Hillsborough County Public Schools
In this episode, we explore the accelerated programs and academic pathways available to students at Hillsborough County Public Schools with Jazheel Lenegar…
More to The Story | Hillsborough County Public SchoolsSuperintendent Van Ayres
Join us for a 15-minute conversation with Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres. Born and raised in Tampa, educated in HCPS classrooms…