The Write Team Podcast

A new school. Improved facilities. New students. And a new chapter for Elysian Fields ISD.
In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver visits with Elysian Fields ISD Superintendent Amy Dickson as the district prepares for one of the most exciting school years in its history.
At the center of that excitement is the opening of the brand-new Elysian Fields Elementary School. Years of planning, community support, bond work, construction, and patience will culminate with students walking through the doors of the new campus for the first time this school year.
But the elementary school is only part of the story.
Dickson discusses renovations and improvements across the district, including work at the high school and field house, and the advantages of bringing EFISD's campuses together in one centralized area. The changes are reshaping the district physically while creating new opportunities for students, educators, and families.
The conversation also explores Elysian Fields' decision to accept transfer students and what it means to become a rural school district of choice in East Texas.
Elysian Fields doesn't need to become a large district to thrive. Its size is one of its greatest strengths. Educators know their students personally and can help individual children discover paths in academics, athletics, fine arts, career and technical education, skilled trades, and beyond.
It's a vision of rural public education built around opportunity without sacrificing community.
As a new school opens its doors and EFISD welcomes new students and families, there may be no more exciting time to be an Elysian Fields Yellow Jacket.
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What makes a school district more than just a collection of campuses?
For Hallsville ISD Superintendent John Martin, it comes down to people, relationships, leadership, and a community that genuinely cares about its schools and students.
In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with Martin as Hallsville ISD prepares to begin another school year. A 1987 Hallsville High School graduate, former coach and teacher, principal, administrator, and now superintendent, Martin reflects on more than three decades in education and what it means to lead the school district he once attended as a student.
The conversation explores what allows Hallsville to maintain its small-town identity while serving as a growing 5A school district, how strong leadership teams are built, and why Martin believes great leaders don't have to be the smartest people in the room—they need to surround themselves with talented people and empower them to lead.
Martin also discusses Hallsville ISD's new administrative structure, including dedicated principals for the fifth- and sixth-grade campuses, along with major facility improvements and future projects designed to better serve students and staff.
At the heart of the conversation is Hallsville ISD's theme for the new year: “Be the One.”
For Martin, that means recognizing that every educator and staff member has an opportunity to be the person who makes a lasting difference in a student's life.
And ultimately, he says the true measure of success isn't found only in grades, test scores, or graduation ceremonies. It's found years later when former students become successful adults, parents, employees, and contributing members of their communities.
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How do you change the culture of a school district?
For Smackover-Norphlet School District Superintendent Bo Smith, it starts by getting students, educators, administrators, families, and the community believing they can accomplish something greater together.
In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with Smith as Smackover-Norphlet prepares for another school year. Smith discusses the district's dramatic academic improvement, including its progress from what he describes as roughly D-level performance before his arrival to a B—and a district now setting its sights even higher.
But the transformation goes well beyond test scores.
Smith discusses changing expectations among students and staff, building trust across communities brought together through consolidation, recruiting and retaining quality educators, preparing teachers before students ever enter the classroom, and creating a culture where everyone understands their role in student success.
The conversation also explores major facility improvements—including new artificial turf at Buckaroo Stadium and a planned gym renovation—along with growing athletic and fine arts programs, the remarkable success of Smackover's championship cheer program, and the district's preparation for future enrollment growth.
Through it all, Smith emphasizes a simple philosophy: don't become comfortable, don't become complacent, and keep chasing better.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, school board member, coach, parent, or community leader, this episode demonstrates what can happen when an entire school community begins pulling in the same direction.
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What can a small school district offer that larger schools sometimes can't?
For Karnack ISD Superintendent Angela Fitzpatrick, the answer starts with relationships.
In this episode of School House Rocks, host David Weaver welcomes Fitzpatrick back to the podcast as Karnack ISD prepares to open its doors for another school year. They discuss how the small East Texas district uses its size as a strength—creating a school environment where educators know their students, families are connected to their schools, and the entire community plays a role in student success.
Fitzpatrick takes listeners behind the scenes of Karnack ISD's back-to-school preparations, including intensive staff development and safety training, the district's Back to School Bash, its first community bus tour for employees, and a special leadership session with author and speaker Robert Jackson.
The conversation also explores the challenges facing small and rural school districts, teacher recruitment and retention, career and technical education, open enrollment, and Karnack's commitment to expanding opportunities for students despite limited resources.
Most importantly, Fitzpatrick explains why a school can be much more than a building—it can become the heart of its community.
Whether you're an educator, administrator, parent, community leader, or supporter of public education, this conversation is a reminder of what can happen when schools, families, and communities work together.
#SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #PublicEducation #EducationLeadership #KarnackISD #SmallSchools #RuralEducation #TexasEducation #SchoolLeadership #CommunitySchools #BackToSchool #StudentSuccess #EducationalLeadership

The Hallsville Bobcats enter the 2026 football season with experience, speed and expectations.
Hallsville head football coach Josh Strickland joins David Weaver From The Press Box to discuss the opening days of fall camp, what last year's young roster learned, and why this year's team could be poised to take the next step.
🏈 Fall Camp Begins
Early morning practices and preparing for another East Texas season
Strong turnout with nearly 190 players in camp
Why the first week of August remains one of a coach's favorite times of the year
Building excitement toward Week One
💪 Growth Through Experience
How last season's young roster matured under pressure
Why playing sophomores in key roles could pay dividends this fall
Returning quarterback experience opens up the offense
Increased team speed and depth across the roster
🛡️ Defensive Outlook
A deeper defensive line than Hallsville has had in years
Veteran linebackers and returning secondary contributors
Why pressure up front can make the entire defense better
Building on the growth shown late last season
🔥 A Brutal Schedule
Challenging scrimmages against Kilgore and Chapel Hill
Non-district matchups with Lindale, Kaufman and Corsicana
Navigating one of East Texas' toughest district schedules
Preparing for talented opponents every single week
🌡️ Football in the Texas Heat
Adapting to the UIL's new wet bulb globe temperature requirements
Adjusting practice schedules without sacrificing preparation
Why player safety remains the top priority
🏟️ Bobcat Pride
Improvements around Bobcat Stadium
Hallsville's tremendous community support
Why Friday nights in East Texas remain unlike anywhere else
Plus, Coach Strickland shares his coaching philosophy, favorite stadiums, rapid-fire answers, and why coaching in his hometown continues to be a dream come true.
Thank you to our sponsors who made this episode of "From The Press Box" possible!
Elysian Fields ISD
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Stiles Electric
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Year two has arrived for Elysian Fields head football coach Bo Maines, and with heightened expectations comes a new challenge: building a new identity while maintaining the championship standard established in his first season.
Coach Maines joins host David Weaver From The Press Box to discuss the Yellow Jackets' offseason, the start of fall camp, and why relationships—not just X's and O's—remain the foundation of a successful football program.
🏈 Getting Ready for 2026
Why Elysian Fields shifted to early morning practices
How the UIL's new heat safety regulations fit into the program
The benefits of practicing before the East Texas heat arrives
Why player safety remains a top priority
🏆 Building a New Identity
Replacing the production of standout playmaker Nunu Kennedy
Why offensive balance will be the key this season
Confidence in a deep offensive and defensive line
Finding what this year's team does best
🛡️ Defensive Philosophy
Replacing key defensive leaders
Playing disciplined football against East Texas' toughest offenses
Why sound fundamentals often outweigh taking risks
Expectations for another strong defensive unit
🤝 Leadership & Culture
The "relationship bank account" philosophy that guides Coach Maines
Why trust must be earned before coaches can truly challenge players
How the culture has changed entering year two
Why coaching and teaching are inseparable
🏟️ Community & Expectations
How Elysian Fields embraced the football program
The importance of restoring the school's winning tradition
Why preseason rankings don't determine championships
Preparing for another challenging district race
In a Rapid Fire segment, Coach Maines discusses his favorite football movie, the toughest road environment he's coached in, his admiration for Nick Saban, leadership lessons that have shaped his career, and the demanding non-district schedule awaiting the Jackets.
Whether you're an Elysian Fields supporter, a Texas high school football fan, or a coach looking for leadership insight, this conversation offers an inside look at building a winning program the right way.
#FromThePressBox #ElysianFields #BoMaines #TXHSFB #TexasHighSchoolFootball #EastTexasSports #Coaching #Leadership #SportsPodcast

College athletics continues to evolve—and this week may have been one of the most significant yet.
On this segment of From The Press Box, David and Matt examine the NCAA's latest courtroom setback, the fallout from a federal judge's eligibility ruling, and the growing momentum behind the proposed Protect College Sports Act.
🏈 NCAA Eligibility Ruling
A federal judge grants another year of eligibility to many athletes from the 2022 entering class
Why the ruling created uncertainty just days before fall camps opened
How the NCAA's new "5-for-5" eligibility model may have contributed to the legal challenge
What the clarification means for athletes already under professional contracts
⚖️ Protect College Sports Act
Why the SEC and Big Ten have thrown their support behind the legislation
Would national NIL standards create a fairer playing field?
Could the proposal give the NCAA enough legal authority to enforce its own rules?
Arguments from both supporters and critics
💰 The NIL Era
Has college athletics become the "Wild West?"
Can smaller schools realistically compete with the financial power of major programs?
Should there be national rules governing NIL and player movement?
Is the current system sustainable?
🏆 The Future of College Sports
Why the on-field product has arguably never been better
Concerns about the long-term health of Olympic and non-revenue sports
Can college athletics restore order without sacrificing competitive balance?
What fans should watch as the debate continues in Congress and the courts
From courtroom decisions to congressional legislation, this episode explores one of the biggest turning points in the modern history of college athletics.
#FromThePressBox #CollegeFootball #NCAA #NIL #ProtectCollegeSportsAct #CollegeSports #SEC #BigTen #SportsPodcast #CollegeAthletics

Football season has officially arrived in East Texas, and there's no shortage of major sports stories to discuss.
On this episode of From The Press Box, David and Matt kick off the high school football season before diving into Major League Baseball's blockbuster trade deadline, the latest NCAA eligibility controversy, and LeBron James' surprising move to Philadelphia.
🏈 East Texas Football
High school football practices officially begin
Early excitement around the 2026 season
Volleyball season also gets underway
Upcoming interviews with Hallsville's Josh Strickland and Elysian Fields' Bo Maines
⚾ MLB Trade Deadline
The Dodgers acquire Tarik Skubal—and what it means for competitive balance
Why Major League Baseball is headed toward another labor stoppage
The Rangers' disappointing weekend against Houston
Should Texas buy, sell, or rebuild?
Why prospect management matters more than ever
🏈 College Athletics
The NCAA suffers another courtroom defeat
The impact of the new eligibility injunction
Breaking down the proposed Protect College Sports Act
NIL, transfers, and the future of college athletics
Why college sports still thrive on the field despite growing problems off it
🏀 NBA
LeBron James heads to Philadelphia
Can the 76ers finally break through?
What another championship would mean for LeBron's legacy
Is the Eastern Conference suddenly the NBA's deepest?
Join us for another conversation covering the biggest stories from across the sports world—from East Texas to the professional ranks.
"From The Press Box" is brought to you by our Write Team family of sponsors:
Elysian Fields ISD
Hallsville ISD
Karnack ISD
Smackover-Norphlet (AR) School District
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Carthage athletic director and head football coach Scott Surratt joins From The Press Box for a wide-ranging conversation about East Texas football, championship leadership and the remarkable dynasty he has built with the Bulldogs.
Entering his 20th season at Carthage, Surratt reflects on why a job he once viewed as a possible steppingstone became home for his family—and how the Bulldogs grew into one of the most successful programs in Texas high school football history.
In this episode:
East Texas Roots
Growing up in Linden and playing football for Linden-Kildare
Competing against the legendary Daingerfield teams of the 1980s
How East Texas football shaped his toughness, discipline and competitive approach
Why the modern game is dramatically different from the football of his playing days
The ETBU Years
Choosing college baseball over football
Becoming a four-year contributor behind the plate at East Texas Baptist University
Lessons learned from longtime ETBU baseball coach Jim Kneipp
How catching, calling pitches and leading a pitching staff helped prepare him to coach quarterbacks and run an offense
The Road to Carthage
Beginning his career as a baseball coach and football assistant
Developing quarterbacks and coordinating offenses at Linden-Kildare, Waxahachie and Texas High
Working with standout quarterbacks
Why Carthage was always one of the East Texas jobs he viewed as a potential destination
Building a Dynasty
Winning Carthage’s first state championship during his second season
How the Bulldogs continue avoiding complacency after 11 championships
Why each season begins with the mentality of a program that has accomplished nothing
The challenge of staying on top once everyone begins giving Carthage its best shot
This season’s theme: focusing on the next rep, the next play and the next game
Surratt also previews a talented but less experienced Carthage roster, discusses the difficulty of finding non-district opponents and reflects on the unforgettable experience of coaching his son, Jet, at quarterback.
This is an inside look at the preparation, consistency and leadership behind one of the greatest dynasties in Texas high school football.
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Thank you to our podcast sponsors!
Stiles Electric
Elysian Fields ISD
Hallsville ISD
Smackover-Norphlet ISD
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Does a true leader ever really retire?
In this heartfelt closing conversation on School House Rocks, host David Weaver sits down with Superintendent Dr. Jerry Gibson to reflect on leadership, perseverance, and the desire to continue serving students—even after retirement.
Dr. Gibson shares behind-the-scenes stories about secretly recruiting highly-touted football coach Claude Mathis to Marshall ISD, discusses why great leaders sometimes have to make difficult personal decisions, and opens up about navigating professional challenges while maintaining his faith and commitment to education.
Most importantly, he explains why his greatest desire isn't another title—it's simply another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Topics include:
• Recruiting Claude Mathis to Marshall ISD• Building successful leadership teams• Putting people ahead of positions• Overcoming professional adversity• Trusting God's direction through life's valleys• The heart of servant leadership• Why leadership is about influence—not titles• Continuing to invest in students after retirement
Whether you're an educator, coach, administrator, or anyone navigating life's unexpected turns, this conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose doesn't end when a job does.
#SchoolHouseRocks #TheWriteTeamPodcast #Leadership #ServantLeadership #EducationLeadership #MarshallISD #EducationalLeadership #Resilience #FaithAndLeadership #Superintendent #Legacy #StudentSuccess