In the last episode of Unlock 360 Season 4, Principal Donnell Mayberry of Challenger Middle School in Lancaster, California, joins host Wendy York Davoud to share how he is transforming a historically punitive campus into a restorative, relationship-centered learning community. Drawing on years of experience with restorative justice in Oakland alternative schools, Donnell explains how “reset and accept” guides his approach to discipline, culture, and academics.

He walks through the concrete system shifts at Challenger, including block scheduling, single-subject teaching, higher GPA expectations, and intentional family engagement. Throughout, he emphasizes that real change requires listening to students, partnering with parents, and holding everyone to a shared standard of love and accountability.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Donnell Mayberry

00:42 Donnell’s journey from Arizona to Oakland to Lancaster

02:04 What restorative practices really mean in schools

06:29 Bringing restorative practices to Challenger Middle School

10:01 Building teacher capacity and tiered support for students

13:10 The power of positive phone calls and repairing harm

16:21 Shifting language away from punishment and toward reflection

19:16 Raising expectations, GPA standards, and family accountability

21:02 Supporting multilingual learners and equity across groups

22:29 Collaboration, PD, and growing staff buy-in

24:41 Four-year vision to restore academics and school culture

27:25 Spreading restorative work across the district

Why You Will Love This Episode
You will hear a candid, practical look at what it takes to move a middle school away from suspension-first thinking and toward restorative discipline, stronger relationships, and higher academic expectations. Donnell shares specific strategies, honest challenges, and real wins that leaders can adapt to their own campuses.

Connect with Donnell Mayberry
Email: dmayberry@wilsona.k12.ca.us
Website: https://cms.wilsonasd.net/en-US

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

We’ll be joining you in Season 5.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud speaks with Principal Christopher Medinger of Farragut Elementary School in Culver City, California. Chris shares his unconventional path into education, from coaching youth basketball to launching a K–8 charter school, designing a new campus, and eventually leading in Culver City Unified.

He reflects on the power of parent partnership, the routines that create stronger home–school connections, and why simple conversations like “car talk” can transform a child’s confidence and motivation. Chris also discusses the role of AI in classrooms and why students still need to read, write, think, and generate their own ideas to be ready for the future.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Christopher Medinger

01:03 Early career, switching from economics to teaching

04:18 Recruiting families and opening with a full K–8 enrollment

07:34 Teaching parents to support learning during Covid

10:26 The power of parent involvement and daily learning conversations

14:20 Chris’s side life as “Captain Chris” on dolphin cruises

16:10 Moving to Farragut Elementary and learning the community

19:09 Using car talk, bedtime chats, and Bloom’s Taxonomy at home

21:42 Preparing students for a future shaped by AI

24:27 The importance of analyzing student work and scratch paper

31:48 The future of learning and the urgency for high level thinking

33:43 Where to learn more about Culver City Unified

Why You Will Love This Episode

This conversation highlights practical, human ways parents and educators can work together to support student growth. From AI readiness to family engagement to building a schoolwide culture of belonging, Chris offers clear ideas leaders can put into action right away.

Connect with Christopher Medinger
Email: christophermedinger@ccusd.org
Website: https://farragut.ccusd.org/

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud speaks with Principal Katherine Hunt of McAlester Public Schools, a veteran educator with more than 40 years of service. Kathy shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal, the influence of her father’s legacy, and what it meant to transform a former junior high into a warm and joyful elementary campus.

She discusses her belief that every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and equipped with four essentials: learning to read, learning math, learning to write, and learning to be a good friend. Kathy also reflects on equity, community investment, the importance of arts and play, and the deep responsibility schools carry for children who face trauma, poverty, and instability.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Kathy Hunt

01:10 Following her father’s legacy in McAlester

03:50 Creating a joyful, kid centered environment

08:08 Realities of teacher spending and fundraising

09:41 Loving the kids and meeting them where they are

10:12 Four essentials: read, write, math, and friendship

18:39 Bond passage and shared resources

19:20 “Children are our future” and community responsibility

26:27 The role of arts, STEM, and enrichment

28:25 Why exposure and experience matter for all kids

37:44 Balancing tech with hands on learning

43:38 Supporting educators and honoring the profession

Why You Will Love This Episode

This conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to lead with love, purpose, and community pride. Kathy brings honesty, wisdom, and decades of lived experience as she shares why schools must be safe, joyful places where every child feels seen and valued.

Connect with Katherine Hunt
District Website: https://mpsbuffs.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

On Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr., Principal of Krum High School in Krum ISD, Texas. From accidentally entering education through a “you need to come back to Texas” phone call to leading a fast growing 4A high school, Dr. Bonsu’s story is rooted in mentors, faith, and servant leadership.

He shares how his core mantra, love, learn, serve, and lead, shows up in daily decisions: repeating the vision in every room, building PLCs where teachers openly compare data and share practices, and modeling healthy boundaries so staff can thrive at work and at home.

Key Moments

02:00 How a superintendent’s phone call pulled him into education

05:45 Saying “yes” to mentors, grad school, and leadership opportunities

08:15 Learning servant leadership from principals who lifted others up

10:30 Shifting from “CASPR” to a simple core of love, learn, serve, lead

13:40 Moving districts to be closer to family and why that mattered

16:00 From living at school to setting boundaries, God, family, work

18:10 Teaching his team not to take work home and to truly unplug

23:15 “Keep the main thing the main thing” for vision, focus, and saying no

31:50 Inside Krum’s PLCs using data and peer modeling to grow practice

34:30 Why teachers learn best from other teachers, not just admin

37:25 Building whole child success through academics, activities, and culture

38:30 Rapid growth in Krum ISD and keeping an every student known feel

40:10 Practicing gratitude and why he is thankful for his wife Savannah

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Bonsu offers a refreshingly honest look at principalship, including what he got wrong early on and how he has learned to lead with clarity and boundaries. You will hear practical ways to keep vision front and center, avoid initiative overload, and create PLCs where teachers feel safe to say, “Show me what you did so I can get better.”

You will also walk away with concrete ideas for balancing high expectations with genuine care for staff and families. It is a concise, hope filled conversation about building systems that let both students and adults win.

Connect with Dr. Samuel Bonsu Jr.
Krum High School Website: https://khs.krumisd.net/

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray of Catoosa Public Schools in Oklahoma to explore how thoughtful systems, teacher leadership, and steady change are shaping the future of the district.

Timothy shares his journey from classroom teacher and award winning assistant principal to district leader, and describes how Catoosa is using a five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan to stay focused on academic achievement, culture and climate, staff support, and strong systems.

A major highlight of the conversation is the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP). Timothy explains how Catoosa selected master teachers and lead teachers, provided targeted training, and positioned them as PLC leaders and partners in professional learning.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Assistant Superintendent Timothy Ray

00:48 Timothy’s path from teacher and coach to administrator

02:20 Assistant Principal of the Year and the WARP suspension reduction program

06:27 Catoosa’s five year Continuous Strategic Improvement plan

07:35 Four pillars, academic achievement, culture, staff support, and systems

08:30 The Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program and selecting teacher leaders

14:09 Guaranteed and viable curriculum, common assessments, and data use

15:14 Strengthening systems across transportation, safety, health, and operations

21:39 The challenge of shifting from isolation to true collaboration in PLCs

22:44 Change, patience, and the balance of “push and praise”

29:33 Building systems and culture that will outlast individual leaders

32:57 Four day school week, schedule design, and PLC time

38:36 Gratitude, mentors, and what Timothy is thankful for

Why You Will Love This Episode

You will hear a grounded, practical look at how one district is aligning its vision, empowering teachers, and building systems that support both adults and students. Timothy offers clear examples of what it takes to move from isolated practice to collaborative teams, use data without losing heart, and lead change at a pace people can actually sustain.

Connect with Timothy Ray
Email: tray@catoosa.k12.ok.us
Website: https://www.catoosaps.net/

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Principal Guadalupe Montañez of Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo ISD, a border community school that has made meaningful strides by strengthening culture, deepening teacher collaboration, and using high quality instructional materials with fidelity. Guadalupe shares how intentional practices, instructional support, and a people-first culture helped her teachers build confidence, consistency, and shared leadership.

The conversation highlights the realities of serving a high poverty, Title I campus near the U.S. Mexico border. Guadalupe explains how her staff supports students whose families face long commutes, economic pressure, and limited opportunities for school involvement. She also describes how trust, openness, and teacher voice have shaped a healthier, more connected school climate.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Guadalupe Montañez

00:35 Her journey from office manager to school leader

02:33 Serving a small border community in Canutillo ISD

04:03 Strengthening systems after a challenging accountability year

05:07 High quality curriculum and instructional collaboration

06:53 Fidelity to new materials and avoiding shortcuts

10:50 Keeping instruction on grade level for all students

13:10 Ensuring safety and emotional support for students

15:20 Supporting families navigating immigration fears

17:04 Empowering teachers as leaders and decision makers

22:34 PLC structures and monthly extended planning

24:10 Treating teachers with humanity, trust, and respect

29:09 Partnering with district leadership

Why You Will Love This Episode
This conversation offers a grounded, real world look at how trust, teacher voice, and aligned instructional systems can move a school forward. Guadalupe shares practical steps leaders can use to build stronger culture, support vulnerable communities, and create meaningful academic growth.

Connect with Guadalupe Montañez
Email: gperez@canutillo-isd.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupe-montanez-3b828539/
Website: https://www.canutillo-isd.org

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jonathan Eggerman, Deputy Superintendent of Pine Tree ISD, to explore how proximity, relationships, and everyday leadership practices are fueling major growth across the district.

Jonathan shares his path from Arkansas coach and principal to deputy superintendent in East Texas, and how Pine Tree ISD has built a culture where leaders stay close to classrooms, kids, and each other. From removing obstacles for teachers to celebrating wins as a district family, he describes how intentional, relational leadership can transform campus culture and academic outcomes.

The conversation moves through real systems that make Pine Tree’s momentum possible, including teacher mentorship structures, leadership pipelines, and the district’s “rock star” framework for defining excellence. Jonathan also explains how Pine Tree maintains consistency as schools continue to grow, improve, and set higher goals each year.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Deputy Superintendent Jonathan Eggerman

01:07 Jonathan’s early career in Arkansas and entry into admin roles

02:38 Moving into principal and superintendent work in Texas

04:29 Transition to Pine Tree ISD and partnership with Superintendent Clugston

07:19 The district’s “culture of proximity” and daily campus visibility

11:19 Why relationships drive learning and community trust

12:23 Proactive leadership versus reactive systems

17:44 Building a district family through events, shared service, and support

19:47 “Hoist the Colors” and districtwide community-building traditions

26:43 Pine Tree’s recent academic and extracurricular growth

31:38 Letting great teachers teach and removing barriers

33:24 Anchor Academy, Leadership Cubed, and mentoring structures

Why You Will Love This Episode

You will hear a candid, practical look at how Pine Tree ISD built a healthy, high-trust culture that supports both academic results and human connection. Jonathan offers insights leaders can apply immediately, from sustaining momentum after big gains to designing support systems that help teachers thrive.

Connect with Jonathan Eggerman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-eggerman-052989244/
Website: https://ptisd.org

Follow Us

Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Principal Harley Webb of Bridge Creek High School in Bridge Creek Public Schools, Oklahoma. Harley shares her journey from Texas small town and college softball to high school principal, and how one student who could not read shifted her sense of responsibility as a leader.

Wendy and Harley explore how Bridge Creek is tackling post pandemic learning gaps, strengthening PLCs with singleton teachers, and using WIN time and a four-day school week to support students. They also dig into the district’s GRIT vision, BCHS’s campus vision, and the culture shifts that came from removing cell phones so students could relearn how to talk, disagree, and connect.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Principal Harley Webb

00:55 From Texas small town and college softball to teaching

02:27 The student who could not read and her call to leadership

03:55 Mentors, deployment, and the path to assistant principal

05:06 Becoming principal at Bridge Creek High School

05:29 A small high school with a strong, inclusive student culture

07:07 Changing the public narrative about Oklahoma public education

09:05 District GRIT vision and the BCHS campus vision

10:47 Sending teachers to Model Schools and building PK–12 collaboration

13:08 Naming post pandemic learning gaps in reading and math

17:42 Using WIN time and PLCs to target skills like multiplication facts

19:33 Four-day school week, student work, and academic achievement

33:03 No cell phones, louder lunchrooms, and stronger student discourse

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation offers a practical look at how a small high school can respond creatively to big challenges. Harley shares concrete strategies for supporting students when every teacher is a singleton, designing WIN time that actually works, and adjusting systems quickly instead of waiting a whole semester.

You will appreciate her honesty about shifting schedules three times in one semester, inviting student and teacher voice into design, and focusing on relationships, rigor, and relevance in every classroom. Her story shows that even in a four-day week, schools can build strong culture, close learning gaps, and help students become confident communicators.

Connect with Harley Webb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harley-webb-7298b6197/
Website: https://www.bridgecreekbobcats.org/

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.