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S.4 | Ep. 15: Rethinking Operations – Dr. Julie Williams on Equity, Wellbeing, & Sustainable Systems
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In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud talks with Dr. Julie Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools. With 36 years in education from rural Missouri to a region anchored by Fortune 500 companies, Dr. Williams shares how operational decisions can dramatically enhance equity, safety, sustainability, and student wellbeing.
From redesigning restrooms to eliminate bullying, to shifting cell phone culture, to replacing millions of milk cartons with bulk milk and composting, she shows how “behind-the-scenes” systems truly shape student experience.
Key Moments
02:00 From rural Missouri to deputy superintendent in Fayetteville
04:10 Why she “retired” one day and started a new role the next
06:40 Charter buses vs. school buses and surprising cost efficiencies
09:10 Bus driver shortages and new staff incentives
12:10 A new appreciation for the workload of coaches
13:35 Cell phone limits and their impact on student wellbeing
16:30 Major decline in discipline issues after policy changes
18:45 Bathroom redesigns that eliminate hiding, vaping, and bullying
24:20 Balancing online testing with screen-time guidelines
27:25 Addressing equity through playground updates and feeder patterns
32:20 Sustainability efforts including outdoor learning and LEED/site/well standards
34:00 Bulk milk and composting as a cheaper, greener solution
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Dr. Williams shares simple, practical ways operations can strengthen school culture and student safety from limiting cell phone use to redesigning restrooms and rethinking staff expectations. Her perspective shows how small shifts in systems can create big improvements for students.
You’ll also hear how Fayetteville Public Schools is advancing equity and sustainability through clear, tangible actions that benefit every campus. It’s a concise look at how thoughtful operational choices make daily life better for kids and adults alike.
Connect with Dr. Julie Williams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulierwilliams
Website: https://www.fayar.net/
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead Teach Learn 360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead Teach Learn 360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they’re turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement—one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more conversations.
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