Episode 15  Great schools are not built by individual leaders working behind office doors. They are built by teams who believe they belong to the work together.

In Episode 15 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I get to explore what collaborative leadership looks like in practice—from co-designing master schedules with staff to inviting educators into decisions that shape programs and opportunities for students. When leadership becomes a shared effort, trust deepens and innovation grows.

I hope this episode reminds us that consultation and collaboration can coexist. Leaders still hold responsibility, but when teams understand their voice matters, commitment strengthens across the school community.

The result is powerful: higher expectations, stronger relationships, and systems that reflect collective wisdom.

Because when everyone knows they are on the team, the bar for excellence rises naturally—and schools become places where both adults and students thrive.

Guest

Special thanks to Dr. Greg Franklin for allowing me this opportunity to reflect. Also, this conversation is what inspired me to launch this podcast.