Westfall One-on-One

Keller ISD is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students, as well as a secure working environment for KISD employees. Join Dr. Johnson as we visit with the leaders of Keller ISD's safety and security efforts to learn more about just a few of the actions taken to keep kids safe. Learn more about Keller ISD Safety & Security at www.KellerISD.net/Safety. For more information about Keller ISD, visit www.KellerISD.net, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes, and leave us a comment to let us know what you would like us to study next time.

In this episode of Keller ISD's "In The Interim" podcast, Keller ISD's new Superintendent, Dr. Tracy Johnson, introduces herself to the KISD community and talks about her hope for the future of the District. Join the Keller ISD Communications Department's Nicole McCollum and Bryce Nieman as they visit with Dr. Johnson and learn more about her passion for serving students' needs and how KISD leaders are working to maintain exceptional learning experiences in the face of current budget challenges. (Please note, this interview was recorded prior to the District's decision to retain the current, modified block schedule at the high school level, so references to changing the high school schedule are outdated.) Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – ⁠@KellerISD on X⁠ and Instagram and Facebook.com/KellerISD. Remember, you can find archived Keller ISD podcast episodes at ⁠www.KellerISD.net/Podcast⁠.

In this episode of Keller ISD's "In The Interim" podcast, Director of Fine Arts Kim Blann and Director of Athletics Eric Persyn discuss their passion for providing students with opportunities to build community within their schools. We also get to hear from Fossil Ridge High School sophomore Carson Grounds who is taking advantage of every opportunity he has in high school – playing varsity football, varsity baseball, and marching in the Panther Regiment, all while taking Honors and AP courses. Join the Keller ISD Communications Department's Nicole McCollum and Bryce Nieman as they visit with these Keller ISD administrative and student leaders and dig into the extracurricular offerings that help make KISD stand out among its peers. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on X and Instagram and Facebook.com/KellerISD. Remember, you can find archived Keller ISD podcast episodes at www.KellerISD.net/Podcast.

In the first edition of Keller ISD's "In The Interim" podcast, our panel talks about the District's current budget situation, Texas public school funding, and how KISD stakeholders can reach out and let elected officials know how important their schools are to them. Keller ISD Communications Department's Nicole McCollum and Bryce Nieman are joined by KISD CFO Scott Wrehe, KISD General Counsel Amanda Bigbee, and Keller Council of PTAs Advocacy Chair Cherie Moeller for this pivotal conversation. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and visit www.KellerISD.net/LegislativeUpdates for updates from Austin and to find out how to contact your elected representatives! Find archived Keller ISD podcast episodes at www.KellerISD.net/Podcast.

Keller ISD recently bid farewell to retiring Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall, who not only led the District for the past six years, but has also been the host of the Westfall One-on-One podcast. Join us for one last conversation with the Superintendent, where we put him the hot seat and learn more about his career and his passion for supporting public education. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter! You can also find archived episodes at www.KellerISD.net/Podcast. 

Just like Keller ISD students, Keller ISD teachers and staff come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences that impact how they support students and shape the lens through which they recognize opportunities for student growth. In this episode of Westfall One-on-One, KISD Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall chats with Eva Gutierrez, Bilingual Academic Specialist at Caprock Elementary, who shares her story of perseverance and commitment to education in the face of some extremely challenging circumstances, and how her own experience has prepared her to be a resource for the students with whom she supports. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter! You can also find archived episodes at www.KellerISD.net/Podcast. 

Keller ISD is one unified educational community, but the District's four feeder patterns provide opportunities for students, families, and staff to unite on an even more local level and rally under their respective high school banners. In this episode of Westfall One-one-One, KISD Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall chats with Charger feeder pattern parent Katie Kilcoyne who has utilized her position as an elementary school parent and wife of a high school football coach to make connections across school levels and throughout the Central High community. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter! You can also find archived episodes at www.KellerISD.net/Podcast.

Keller ISD values the exploration and the pursuit of one's passion that leads to personal growth. Educators in the District are constantly finding ways to connect students' interests and hobbies to learning opportunities. In this episode of Westfall One-on-One, KISD Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall sits down with Vista Ridge Middle School 8th grader Emmanuel Tuffour who has taken his passion for sports and turned it into his own podcast with the help of his teacher, providing him invaluable experience as he explores future career paths. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter! Also, be sure to download and subscribe to Emmanuel's podcast – Tuff Talk with Tuffour.

Keller ISD's Genius Team is a group of students who provide technology on-boarding and device support for District teachers and staff. In this episode of One-on-One, Dr. Westfall visits with Genius Team Member and Keller High junior Hannah Edgar who talks about the program and the lessons she's taken away from her experience so far. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Keller ISD is blessed with many former students who recognize how special the District is and return to teach and work here. Whitley Road Elementary School Principal Melissa Finstad is one such student. After attending KISD K-12 – including five years at WRES as a student – Finstad is now the principal at the school and an involved member of the school's community. In the first episode of our 2022-23 season, Dr. Westfall sits down with her to learn more about her journey and the importance of being invested in local school communities. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Ever wonder what work is happening behind the scenes in a school district during the summer? Dr. Westfall sat down with LePaula Smith this month to share a little bit more information about that! Smith is Keller ISD's Director of Operations and Distribution, and she and her team work year-round to ensure our campuses are equipped and ready to provide a safe, healthy, and clean environment for our students and staff. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Isha Patel, a graduating senior from Fossil Ridge High School, talks to Superintendent Dr. Westfall about her journey through high school and planning for college, with the help of a recently added resource in Keller ISD – the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Go Center. Beginning in the fall of 2020, CCMR Coaches have provided a vital point of contact for students, as they have been a resource to whom students can speak directly and ask specific questions about college applications, essays, and scholarships or other financial aid, whether the student is a looking to attend a two or four-year college, attend a technical school, enter the military, or directly enter the workforce. Interested in learning more about CCMR resources? Visit www.KellerISD.net/CCMR. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Keller ISD Human Resources Coordinator Jennifer Love joins Superintendent Dr. Westfall to share the hard work being done, both behind the scenes and out in the public, to recruit and retain intentionally exceptional employees. They'll dive into the challenges we face, how we are responding, and what the next steps should be for anyone listening who might be interested in joining the Keller ISD family. Come work for the District and make a difference in the KISD community – https://www.kellerisd.net/careers. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Dr. Westfall chats with CFO Scott Wrehe about school finance – how it's structured, where your tax dollars go and how they are spent, the challenges school districts face, and how KISD makes the most fiscally responsible decisions possible while maintaining transparency. This is a complicated topic that you won't want to miss learning more about! Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD, and connect with Dr. Westfall at @DrRDubKellerISD on Twitter!

Dr. Westfall and Special Education Coordinator Kierra Edgar talk about the importance of relationships, including everyone, and celebrating how every person – each student and staff member – shines to create an intentionally exceptional school district and community.

Dr. Westfall speaks with Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Robert Wright in celebration of CTE Month to explain more about everything you ever wanted to know about CTE and more, the impact these programs have on our students' futures, and how our community can become more involved and benefit from this unique partnership.

As we are in the height of "giving season," Dr. Westfall welcomed Director of State and Federal Programs Leigh Cook to share with our community more about how we discover and meet the needs of our students, and how the giving opportunities in our District are available and a necessity year round.

Dr. Westfall sits down with Fossil Hill Middle School Instructional Support Teacher Shaunna Hanby to take a stroll down memory lane. Hanby has been in the District for 19 years, serving almost her entire tenure at FHMS. She shares about how she has had the opportunity to educate children from all over the world; bond with colleagues through periods of rapid growth, and now, through physical updates and additions to the school; and connect with former students who have now returned to FHMS as fellow educators. She is one of many who are #ThankfulinKISD and Keller ISD invites you to join her in sharing what you are thankful for this holiday season. Be sure to follow Keller ISD on social media – @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook.com/KellerISD.

Dr. Westfall speaks to special guest – Director of Customer Experience for Hillwood Development Company – Amanda Migura about an exciting new opportunity our Keller ISD students have this year, serving as Student Influencers for the group. Take a listen as they discuss what this selection process looked like, what our students are gaining out of the experience, and the positive impression they have made on our business community. Be sure to stay connected to Keller ISD by following us at @KellerISD on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/KellerISD.

Dr. Westfall is joined by Heritage Elementary School teacher Meagan McDaniel, who – along with some fellow teachers in Keller ISD's LADDER cohort – has reimagined what the elementary school experience could be like, and now they have been given the opportunity to implement their vision at HES.

The Keller ISD podcast, "Westfall One-on-One," is entering its third season, and we've incorporated new hosts to introduce each conversation! This month, we're excited to hear from Valerie Minor about the incredible variety of professional development and mentoring services available to our staff as we prepare for a wonderful year ahead.

Chief Human Resources Officer Tracy Johnson and Dr. Westfall dive into the busy summer season of hiring in a school district, how the process works, the challenges of staffing a large district, and what makes Keller ISD a great place to work.

Dr. Westfall talks to Indian Springs Middle School Principal Sandy Troudt, as she prepares for retirement after a 43-year career in education. (WOW!) She shared memories, lessons learned, and advice. Congratulations to Sandy, and all of the retirees this year. We are so thankful for your service to our students, staff, and community.

While virtual learning took on a new meaning in 2020, Keller ISD has been embarking on this journey for a few years through the iChoose program – designed to address the needs of students by providing opportunities for students to complete foundation courses in CTE pathways, accelerate completion of language acquisition courses, pursue their interests during the school day, and prepare them for success in online coursework as they continue their education past high school. Hear iChoose student Skyler Standridge speak with Dr. Westfall about the opportunities this program has afforded him and check out more information about iChoose at www.kellerisd.net/iChoose.

Nearly a year ago, Keller ISD announced its exciting plan to open a Collegiate Academy in the fall of 2021. Shortly after that, the District was impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and all the challenges it presented. Still, we are proud to say that we are still on track and just accepted our first students into the Keller Collegiate Academy for the 2021-22 school year! Listen as Keller Collegiate Academy Principal Tracy Arsenault explains the exciting new opportunities our students will have at this campus.

Dr. Westfall had a special conversation with Keller High School and Keller Center for Advanced Learning student Zachary Lehmann about the things he is grateful for and the positives he has seen come out of the challenging times we continue to face.

Coordinator of Digital Curriculum & Remote Learning Dawn Bailey chats with Dr. Westfall about remote instruction – what we've learned, how we're improving, and where we're going. Listen to hear more about resources available to students, parents, and teachers; inspiring examples of how teachers are going above and beyond; and how education has evolved through these unexpected hurdles.

Bette Perot 2nd grade teacher Karen Grantham opens up to Dr. Westfall about how she has worked through some of the challenges brought on by 2020, and shares how her experiences of caring for others and being on the receiving end of kindness has fueled her to look forward to a great school year.

Dr. Westfall and Keller ISD Education Foundation Executive Director Cameka Crawford have an engaging conversation about the numerous opportunities KEF provides educators and students. Listen in and learn more about how to get involved and support this fantastic organization!

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, Fossil Ridge High School Teacher and Coach Adam Webb tells Dr. Westfall about his journey battling cancer the last few years, and the ways others, particularly those in the Fossil Ridge and Keller ISD family, have supported him and his family through difficult times.

Keller ISD Director of Intervention Counseling Marcene Weatherall visits with Dr. Westfall in this episode to discuss the impacts counseling interventions can have on students.

Keller ISD launches the first "Westfall One-on-One" podcast! Each episode, Superintendent Dr. Rick Westfall will visit with various staff members and students throughout the District to discuss current trends and issues in public education, share ideas and best practices, and highlight the exciting things happening in Keller ISD. Heritage Elementary Principal Edwina West-Dukes joins Dr. Westfall in this episode to discuss 21st-century learning facilities.