Inside Rock Hill's $336M Vision for Safer, Smarter Schools with Andrew Jones
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Matt Rogers sits down with Andrew Jones, Executive Director for Safety and Emergency Management at Rock Hill School District (South Carolina), to explore how safety and design intersect in modern school construction. Andrew shares his winding path from youth ministry to law enforcement, teaching, and school administration before landing in his current role. The conversation dives deep into the district's new Sunset Park Elementary School project — a $336 million, 10-year facilities initiative — covering CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), hardwired...
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Student-Centered Leadership in a Small District with Dr. Amy Alzina
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Jeff Kubiak talks with Dr. Amy Alzina, superintendent of Cold Spring School District, about running a high-performing small school district in Santa Barbara County. They cover the mission of the Small School Districts Association, building genuine student connection beyond the classroom, designing flexible and indoor/outdoor learning spaces, funding strategies and community trust, and career advice for aspiring school business officials. The conversation closes on emerging school finance trends, concerns over new leave legislation's impact on students, and cautious optimism...
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Designing a Second Home for Students with Learning Differences with Shara Bumgarner & Janann Pittman
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, host Matt Rogers and co-host Dr. Brian McCraw talk with Shara Bumgarner, cofounder of Houston's Joy School, and architect Janann Pittman of Jackson & Ryan Architects about creating a K-8 school built for kids with learning differences. From the school's humble start with four students in 1997 to its thoughtfully designed campus today, Shara and Janann unpack how intentional design - down to door handles and bathroom stalls - can turn a school into a true second home. They dig into individualized instruction, the "it depends" philosophy, and why joy, not just remediation,...
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Learning by Region at A4LE Georgia
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, host Katie Jubenville brings listeners conversations from the A4LE Georgia Chapter Conference on Jekyll Island. Guests explore what "Radically Student Centered™" design truly means, the everyday details students notice that adults overlook, partnerships between design firms and educators, and creative problem-solving during construction — plus some fun local picks for how they'd spend a day on Jekyll Island. Our guests, in order of appearnace: Namrata Dani, AIA: Corgan Architect Jill Hackett: Turner & Townsend Heery Director Jesse Frasier: Turner & Townsend Heery...
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Learning by Region at A4LE Northeast
Better Learning Podcast
This episode comes from the A4LE Northeast Regional Conference in Rochester, New York, hosted by Jessica Westerduin. Guests discuss indicators of a successful school building, what it would mean to walk into their designs 20 years from now, the value of stakeholder collaboration, the role of flexible furniture and adaptability, and the challenges school leaders face guiding their communities through transitions and long-term visioning. Our special guests, in order of appearance: Lemuer Perez M.A. ED.: University Academy Charter High School Educational Consultant Matthew Gallerani, AIA:...
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Learning by Region at A4LE Midwest Great Lakes
Better Learning Podcast
This episode, hosted by Matt Rogers and Katie Jubenville, features conversations from the A4LE Midwest Great Lakes Regional Conference in St. Louis. Guests compare favorite landmarks to the Gateway Arch, then dig into what "radically student-centered" design means, sharing stories about maximizing impact beyond simple building replacement, engaging students and communities in the design process, and what separates schools that merely function from those that truly transform their communities. Our guests, in order of appearance: Josh Chism, PE, CEM: Capital AE President Nicole Esser Dryden:...
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Learning by Region at A4LE Southern
Better Learning Podcast
This episode features conversations recorded at the A4LE Southern Regional Conference in Austin, Texas, hosted by Dr. Brian McCraw and Nick Marmolejo. Guests dig into themes like community-driven design processes, trauma-informed design, furniture and flexible learning spaces, the overuse of "learning stairs," strong architect-educator partnerships, and what truly makes a school thrive versus merely function. Our guests, in order of appearance: Jody Sergi, AIA, LEED AP: Kirksey Architecture Partner and Director, PK-12 Practice Cody Boyd, AIA: PBK Senior Principal Olivia Graf:...
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Learning by Region at A4LE Southeast
Better Learning Podcast
This episode, hosted by Katie Jubenville, takes listeners on the road to the A4LE Southeast Regional Conference, featuring conversations with architects, educators, and facility planners about creating better learning environments. Guests discuss what it means to be "radically student-centered," the messages school buildings send to students and teachers, exciting trends in school design, and how to elevate teacher practice and gauge whether a school is thriving. Our guests, in order of appearance: Paulette Myers: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture Architect Matthew Pierzchala, AIA, NCARB,...
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AI, Agency & the Future of Education with Dr. Sabba Quidwai
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools, joins the Better Learning Podcast to explore how educators, students, and communities can navigate AI with hope instead of fear. Drawing on her own path from history teacher to Apple to education consultant, she shares how districts like Roseville Joint Union High School District are bringing students, staff, and community members together to co-design AI-era graduate profiles — and why courageous leadership, shared culture, and storytelling matter more than any specific technology. Takeaways: Hope is a teachable skill, not just...
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Designing Schools Kids Are Proud Of with Amanda Vottis
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin talks with Amanda Vottis, an architectural designer at Mosaic Architects with over 12 years of experience in K-12 educational design. Amanda shares her winding path into school architecture, her philosophy of "radically student-centered" design, and a deep dive into the multi-year Saratoga Springs School District project — a "legacy" renovation initiative built on an educational plan shaped by community input, teacher feedback, and student voice. The conversation explores how thoughtful design (learning stairs, breakout...
info_outlineJeff Kubiak sits down with Katie Hylton, Director of Business Support Services for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and newly elected CASBO president. Katie shares her unexpected journey from animal science major to school business leader — starting as a part-time attendance clerk and warehouse worker in Barstow, all the way to overseeing operations for a county office of education. The conversation explores how behind-the-scenes operational work directly impacts student learning, the importance of connecting business services staff to the "why" behind their work, and what it truly means to build radically student-centered learning environments.
Takeaways
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The invisible work matters. Clean, safe, well-maintained facilities directly affect student focus, comfort, and academic success — even if no one notices when it's done right.
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Connect your team to the why. Katie makes it a priority to get operations staff out to school sites so they can see the students they're serving. Whether it's delivering adaptive equipment or volunteering at a reading rally, that human connection transforms how people show up for their work.
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Mentorship opens doors. A warehouse mentor who taught Katie to drive a forklift became the reason she landed her first full-time job. Find your people, ask questions, and build your network — especially through organizations like CASBO.
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Be creative with resources. Tighter budgets require forward thinking. COVID funding was an opportunity to invest in long-overdue infrastructure like touchless fixtures and keyless entry — small changes with lasting impact.
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Ask students what they need. Flexible furniture, natural light, wellness spaces, and collaborative areas aren't just trends — they reflect what students actually need to thrive. Including student voice in planning builds both better spaces and student pride.
About Katie Hylton:
Katie Hylton is a seasoned education business leader with over three decades of experience in K–12 operations, procurement, and facilities management. As Director of Business Support Services for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, she oversees vital operational and fiscal functions supporting schools across the region. A longtime CASH and CASBO member, Katie is known for her collaborative leadership and passion for sharing knowledge as a presenter and speaker. A lifelong learner, she enjoys leadership programs that foster growth and reflect her dedication to strengthening educational communities.
Episode 332 of the Better Learning Podcast
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
For more information on our partners:
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
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