[00:00:00] **Dallas (Host):**
Well, let’s get in the loop, shall we? We kick off the official podcast of Liberty Public Schools, and we welcome you back to the 2023–2024 school year in LPS. This is Director of Communications **Dallas Ackerman**, your host here as part of *In the Loop*.

We’re excited about this new venture — yet another opportunity, another platform to stay connected with you. Whether you’re on the track with your earbuds, walking the dog across town, or just taking a break, we’re glad you’re spending a few minutes with us.

[00:00:42]
This is a **bi-weekly** program, premiering every other Wednesday as part of our QuickNews e-newsletter beginning August 23. We’ll feature a variety of guests: students, staff, administrators, and community partners.

Our first guest is our longtime superintendent, **Dr. Jeremy Tucker**, fresh back from a weekend trip to Los Angeles where he moved his daughter into her freshman year of college. We’ll talk about that experience and preview the upcoming school year.

We’re excited to welcome back our nearly 13,000 students tomorrow as we record this. It’s a hot one — excessive heat warnings across Kansas City — but we’re ready.

The big message for families:
**All LPS buildings are air-conditioned**, so we will not have early dismissals due to heat. Bus riders will have bottled water available, and students may bring drinks on board this week. Activities and athletics have adjusted their schedules as well.

But for now… let’s begin our very first edition of *In the Loop with LPS*.

---

## **INTERVIEW — DR. JEREMY TUCKER**

[00:04:21] **Dallas:**
We are back in our first edition of *In the Loop with LPS*, and as promised, we’re joined by Superintendent **Dr. Jeremy Tucker**. He has been a traveling man the last several days — entering **year number ten** as superintendent.

Dr. Tucker, you’ve been all over the country. Tell us about your adventures out West this past weekend.

[00:05:03] **Dr. Tucker:**
Yes — great to be with you, Dallas. It has been a whirlwind. We got in last night at 2:30 a.m. from moving our daughter into **Baylor University** for her freshman year.

While we were there, we experienced:

* A **hurricane**,
* An **earthquake**, and
* Multiple flight delays and cancellations.

But we got her moved in, and we’re back — just in time for the first day of school.

---

### **Sending a First Child to College**

[00:05:38] **Dallas:**
Your first child off to college — any advice for those of us with juniors or seniors approaching that milestone?

[00:05:56] **Dr. Tucker:**
Nothing prepares you for it. When you pull away and say goodbye, you hope you’ve done the right work to get them ready for this transition.

There’s joy, pride, sadness — your family dynamic shifts.

But we’re excited to watch her meet new people, experience the culture of Los Angeles, and build her own story. Hang in there, parents — it’s emotional but meaningful.

---

### **Reflecting on Liberty Experiences As “Dad”**

[00:06:56] **Dallas:**
Most people see you as superintendent, but you’re also a dad. How does it feel reflecting on your children’s experiences in LPS?

[00:07:12] **Dr. Tucker:**
Honestly, incredible gratitude.

We were at convocation last week, and our son — playing with the drumline — ran over to hug **Mr. Dwayne**, the longtime custodian at Lewis and Clark.

Then we ran into **Ms. Baldwin**, a former teacher returned to LPS, who embraced him too.

That’s what this district is about:
**Connections. Relationships. People investing in our kids.**

Our family is thankful for every staff member who has poured into our children.

---

## **PURPOSE OF THE PODCAST**

[00:08:36] **Dallas:**
This podcast is another way to engage our community, right?

[00:08:53] **Dr. Tucker:**
Yes — we wanted new ways to communicate, gather feedback, and highlight stories.

We have many avenues already — Coffee with the Community, social media, newsletters — but this allows us to go deeper, connect more personally, and engage more stakeholders. Credit to you and our communications team for pushing us forward.

---

## **SUMMER RECAP & BOND PROJECTS**

[00:09:35] **Dallas:**
How was your summer?

[00:09:42] **Dr. Tucker:**
Busy — immediately after school ended, we traveled with **Liberty North’s band** on their trip to Orlando.

This summer we’ve also been:

* Running summer school
* Advancing our **facility master planning**
* Launching the $**120 million** no-tax-increase bond projects our voters approved

You’ll see construction and renovation across LPS over the next **3–4 years**. Staff returned last week for orientation, new teacher training, and convocation — a great kickoff to the year.

---

## **CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE — SNAPSHOT**

[00:10:59] **Dallas:**
You just gave a community update to the Chamber of Commerce. What did you share?

[00:11:22] **Dr. Tucker:**
Several highlights:

1. **Graduate Profile** – foundational skills we expect every LPS student to demonstrate.
2. **Strategic Plan** – available on our website; updated yearly.
3. **Real World Learning** – ensuring every graduate earns a **Market Value Asset**, through:

* Internships
* Dual credit
* Industry credentials
* Entrepreneurial experiences
* Client-connected projects
4. **Partnerships** – more than **600 business partners** support these opportunities.
5. **Bond Projects** – major construction coming soon, with renderings and bids in process.

We appreciate the Woodneath Library for hosting the event.

---

## **GOALS & INITIATIVES FOR 2023–2024**

[00:13:43] **Dallas:**
What are your big goals for this school year?

[00:13:43] **Dr. Tucker:**
Two major areas:

### **1. Innovation Waiver — Success-Ready Students Network**

We’re one of **20 Missouri districts** approved to redesign assessment and accountability.
Instead of a single end-of-year test (like MAP/EOC), we’ll pilot a **three-checkpoint model**:

* Beginning of year
* Mid-year
* End of year

This provides **real-time growth data** to adjust instruction and support student learning.

### **2. Strategic Plan Refresh**

Engagement opportunities begin in **November/December**.
Will include surveys, focus groups, community events, student showcases — shaping the next 3–5 years of LPS.

---

## **TEN YEARS IN LPS — WHAT HE’S LEARNED**

[00:16:18] **Dallas:**
Ten years in Liberty — what stands out?

[00:16:39] **Dr. Tucker:**
The phrase that comes to mind:
**We can do hard things.**

The pandemic tested everyone — staff, students, families, the community.

But beyond crisis moments, what I’ve learned is this:
**Liberty cares deeply.** Even when we disagree, we come together.

Funny story:
My daughter bought a pillow for college that simply says **“Room for All.”**
That phrase captures exactly what we want Liberty to be — a place where everyone belongs.

---

## **LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL**

[00:18:25] **Dallas:**
Tomorrow is the first day. What comes to mind?

[00:18:53] **Dr. Tucker:**
First — **the first-day pictures**, of course.

Then I’ll drop off our son for early-morning band at Liberty North, and we’ll begin making rounds to schools — checking in with staff, celebrating the energy.

We’ve had rainy first days… but never this level of heat.

Please watch for:

* Increased traffic
* Student drivers
* School buses on the road

Thanks in advance for patience as we work through route timing and new routines.

---

## **RECOGNIZING STAFF ACROSS THE DISTRICT**

[00:20:11] **Dallas:**
Before we wrap up — can you speak to the incredible staff making this year happen?

[00:20:30] **Dr. Tucker:**
Absolutely.

Behind the scenes we have:

* **Nutrition Services**
* **Transportation**
* **Health Services**
* **KidZone**
* **Custodial / Maintenance / Grounds**
* **Facilities**
* **Technology**

For example: technology is deploying **thousands** of student devices — a massive undertaking.

Bus drivers?
They are often **the first and last face** students see each day. They set the tone. I remind them often: I once took the CDL bus test… and failed the first time! Tremendous respect for what they do.

---

## **UPCOMING PODCAST GOALS**

[00:22:35] **Dallas:**
What are your goals for *In the Loop* this year?

[00:22:49] **Dr. Tucker:**
Two things:

1. **Districtwide topics**
— safety, assessment changes, bond projects, innovation, accountability.

2. **School-level stories**
— the things families may not see beyond their own school’s walls.

We want this podcast to feel lighthearted, informative, and above all, **connected**.

And thank you, Dallas, for leading our communication efforts across platforms.

---

## **FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAFETY & SECURITY**

[00:24:57] **Dallas:**
Safety is a hot topic. We’ve shared updates recently — including adding armed officers to buildings. Anything to add?

[00:25:35] **Dr. Tucker:**
We’ve come a long way.

Ten years ago:

* Only **part-time** security leadership
* A few SROs shared across many schools

Today:

* A **full security department**
* Internal security officers
* **Elementary coverage** launching this year
* Strong partnership with Gary Majors and his team

The Board of Education has been instrumental, providing support and asking rigorous questions. Other districts now look to Liberty as a model. We continue improving every year.

---

## **CLOSING**

[00:27:58] **Dallas:**
That officially wraps up Episode 1. Dr. Tucker, thank you — and best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful school year.

[00:28:17] **Dr. Tucker:**
Thank you, Dallas. Excited for the year ahead.

[00:28:19] **Dallas:**
And with that, we conclude our premiere edition of *In the Loop with LPS*. Have a great start to the school year — and we’ll see you again soon.

[00:28:48] **Announcer:**
You have been listening to *In the Loop with LPS*, the official podcast of Liberty Public Schools. Visit lps53.org and click “Staying Connected” to hear more episodes. Thank you for your continued support of LPS.