PODCAST
EPISODES
Over the last 2 years and 28 podcast episodes, I have spent countless hours meeting and talking with community leaders before and during shows openly discussing the most challenging issues facing our district. I have strong opinions but I am also adept at finding common ground. I have deep respect for my guests and never want to make them look bad so I allow each of them full editorial control and private screening of every episode before they air. I’ve never been asked to change a single detail.
Join Aaron as he interviews Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett and Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jeremy Trimble about the safety status of our children in the wake of the Uvalde tragedy. Dr. Arnett also details his community engagement and communication plans known as "CAFE" - Conversations About Furthering Excellence - that will openly discuss with all parents in a town hall format: Safety & Security, Library Books, DEI and District Finances.
One of the hottest topics affecting many school districts across the country is a sweeping trend of implementing DEI into the staff development and training rigor for teachers that, in turn, incorporate these concepts into teaching materials and program development. While many parents support the social and moral values that DEI represents, other parents believe such program content is an infringement on their parental rights and that such discussions should be reserved to them. Joining us in this episode is the co-founder and leader of the Eanes for Equity parental group here in Westlake, Darshana Kalikstein. Darshana joins Aaron Silva for a candid and thoughtful discussion on why E4E parents support these initiatives.
In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett joins Aaron for an insightful house call to discuss the wins and challenges; school choice, future bonds and the success of the Spanish immersion program and the fate of Valley View Elementary. However, issues such as protecting children from sexually explicit library books and eliminating the access of males into female locker rooms remain legislatively unresolved.
Join Aaron as he introduces Varsity Football Head Coach Tony Salazar in his first year at the helm following three straight Texas state championships. Coach Salazar discusses how our football program and culture reinforces accountability, responsibility and leadership in Eanes' students ultimately shaping them to be outstanding leaders after they graduate high school.
We sit down with our newest superintendent to get to know him better personally and understand the challenges that lay ahead for our schools, teachers and students. Leaving no subject off limits, Dr. Arnett opens up and candidly discusses with Aaron Silva some of the hottest topics on many parents' minds including: Past mistakes (and learnings); Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) training / CRT; inappropriate school library books; parental rights; the budget deficit and future financial issues; staff retention and attrition; leadership development and the vision he has to bring us all together again for the benefit of our children. If you have never met Dr. Arnett and hear him speak publicly on these matters this episode is a must listen.
Join Host Aaron Silva as he interviews new Police Chief Matt Greer about his career in the Austin PD, anti-terrorism and anti-gang task forces. Assistant Superintendent Jeremy Trimble discusses the challenges in standing up their first ever police force - a response to the tragic events in Uvalde and now ordered by Texas Law.
For nearly the entirety of this podcast season we have been focusing on what EISD administrators, leaders and parents believe is best for their kiddos - what WE THINK, THEY NEED. Now, hear a perspective from one of the brightest and most accomplished students in our entire school district - the Senior Class President of Westlake High School, Mr. Mark Sayegh. Mr. Sayegh has an incredible sense of what the student body of WLHS wants and needs and you'll be surprised to hear how little students and their collective opinions are actually included in the initiatives and programs contemplated by EISD leadership and implemented at WLHS. Mark weighs in on all of our seaon topics including the Mission Statement, Communication, Library Books, DEI, racism, student leadership and traditions of Eanes.
WARNING: This episode contains passages read from actual EISD library books. Parental discretion is advised.
The debate about pornography In School Library Books may be national but the controversy here is unique only to Eanes. Aaron explores the 3-way tug of war between trustees’ inaction; parents pro-porn and parents anti-porn and frames a struggle that puts innocent students and teachers in the middle. Will our board of trustees find the will to lead? Or will they wait for a Hail Mary pass from Texas legislators? Hear actual readings from books available to your kids without parental knowledge and learn what books are NOT in the library, but should be.
The Eanes Education Foundation (EEF) has done incredible things for our children's education for many years. However, their annual $3 million gift has morphed from a "nice to have" to a "need to have" as the EISD board of trustees saddles the district with a $2 million deficit for this school year. What would happen to our quality of education if EISD remains insolvent? Are your donations financing the budget deficit - or helping to hire more great teachers? Hear from EEF leadership as they chart a path through these challenging times.
Following the Safety and Security Town Hall meeting hosted for parents by EISD in September, Aaron interviews Assistant Superintendents Jeremy Trimble and Molly May as they strengthen physical deterrents and monitor the mental health of our students - but some parents at the meeting feel it may not be enough in the aftermath of the Uvalde tragedy. Hear about the hard work our leaders are performing and challenges they face to prevent the worst of outcomes. Aaron also meets with a parent attending the town hall who opines with his readiness assessment of the district safety and security plans that all parents should know about.