Join the Okaloosa County School District Communications team as we deliver timely updates, important information, and behind-the-scenes insights tailored for District Administrators — all with a touch of personality and purpose. Stay informed, stay connected, and enjoy a fresh take on what’s happening across our schools.
Hurricane Edition: Resilience, Response, and Recovery
In this special hurricane edition of the podcast, the team reflects on their experiences during the recent tropical system and highlights the extraordinary efforts that helped keep the community safe. From operating emergency shelters for more than 150 evacuees and their pets to coordinating districtwide communications, athletic schedules, and campus recovery efforts, the conversation showcases the dedication of OCSD employees, volunteers, and community partners. Danny Dean, Laura King, school staff, first responders, and numerous agencies are recognized for their commitment to serving others during the storm.
18 Sept 2026
Safety is Everyone's Business: A Conversation with Danny Dean
What does it take to keep our schools safe every day? In this episode of Not So Common, we welcome Danny Dean, Director of the Okaloosa County School District’s Office of Safe Schools, for a conversation about the people, planning, technology, and partnerships working behind the scenes to support safe and secure schools.
Danny shares his journey from the U.S. Coast Guard and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to serving as a School Resource Officer and now leading the district’s safety efforts. We also get to know the multidisciplinary team responsible for everything from emergency preparedness and threat management to fire safety, security systems, and state compliance.
And because it’s Not So Common, the conversation doesn’t stop there. We mix in district updates, America 250, reflections on September 11, upcoming community events, cassette tapes, Innerspace, and even a quick lesson on where the term “teaser” comes from.
It’s an important conversation about school safety, service, preparedness, and the people committed to protecting our students and staff, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Transcript: NSC S2E2 - September 18, 2026.pdf (https://okaloosaschools-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/p/hilary_demers/IQBivQmEE-TuRrD8Tb8fALM3AVeu0-Sa_-AMpxkRT98CSFA?e=slJXMa)
4 Aug 2026
Rooms, Ribbon Cuttings & Roombas
School is back in session! In this Season 2 premiere, your favorite COMMs team shares back-to-school updates, discusses the Rooms rollout, celebrates new school facilities, highlights the success of Stuff the Bus, and recognizes the community partners helping students start the year strong. It's a fun, informative conversation filled with excitement, gratitude, and encouragement for the year ahead.
Transcript (https://okaloosaschools-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/p/hilary_demers/IQA8_WsswjjuRp_twXKykVrEAVzkfWZNiwXv5K3rNjgzXMw?e=GiUH6G)
12 Jun 2026
The Hupster Effect: Customer Service, Culture, and the Comms Hustle
Welcome back to Not So Common Podcast, where conversations are real, a little unfiltered, and always rooted in connection.
In this episode, the team is joined by special guest Lori “The Hupster” Hupp—our all-star of customer service, positivity, and all-terrain problem-solving. From laugh-out-loud moments (including missed podcast challenges and a breakdown of everyone’s shoes) to meaningful insights, this episode blends humor with heart.
You’ll hear updates on upcoming events, exciting community partnerships, and a few personal stories that remind us why this work matters.
🎧 Whether you’re in education, communications, or just love a good team dynamic, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.
Show Transcript: https://canva.link/notsocommons1e10
1 Jun 2026
Summer Kickoff 2026
The Comms team returns to kick off summer, discussing end-of-year reflections, planning for 2026–2027, and clarifying communication tools like Rooms and alerts. They also highlight upcoming events, America 250 updates, Take Stock in Children celebrations, and how schools can strengthen their messaging and campus presence heading into the new school year.
Transcript: https://canva.link/nscs1e9
29 Mar 2026
Secret Agents, School Pride, & Staying Connected
The Not-So-Common Podcast is back from spring break with a packed episode! The team welcomes special guest Joe Pete, an administrator known for supporting schools behind the scenes. From celebrating student achievements and hearing an inspiring alumni story, to important district updates on ADA website compliance, teacher grant reporting, technology refreshes, and the rollout of Rooms as the district’s unified communication platform—this episode blends celebration, information, and a little 80s rock nostalgia. Important reminders, practical guidance, and a few laughs included.
Show Transcript: https://canva.link/agzzmeag56y8ou1
9 Mar 2026
SpolskiJ Has Entered the Chat
The Not‑So‑Common Podcast crew is back with their signature mix of humor, real talk, and district camaraderie. This episode keeps the energy high as the team chats through their latest conversations and behind‑the‑scenes moments. And of course—don’t miss this week’s quick Marketing Moment, where they tackle one small but mighty tip to help everyone communicate smarter.
Another not‑so‑common conversation with the people who keep our district connected.
Transcript: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDexWYXgQ/MOhLxTp_uY6BNQ1zYWWn6Q/view?utm_content=DAHDexWYXgQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h780d1de829
5 Mar 2026
Special Episode: Your New OCSD Health Clinic, What you Need to Know
Join us for a special, all‑employee edition of Not So COMMon as we celebrate the launch of the OCSD Health Clinic, brought to life through our partnership with Marathon Health!
Host Hilary DeMers sits down with Sarah Cato, the driving force behind this project, to break down everything you need to know: services, access, appointments, and answers toyour top questions.
This exciting new resource is designed with YOU in mind—your health, your convenience, and your well‑being.
Tune in to get the inside scoop and learn how to make the most of the OCSD Health Clinic.
For Questions or Feedback, please contact our Risk Management Department: 850-833-5825
Marathon Health Portal: https://my.marathon-health.comTranscript: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDGllWLRo/MI9eFxrV9669D6CTT37MGw/view?utm_content=DAHDGllWLRo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hbc6b4295f7
22 Feb 2026
Stuck in the Elevator: Cheers, Careers & OCSD Updates
Get ready for a not‑so‑common episode—recorded live from the elevator! The team kicks things off with some unexpected cheer nostalgia (complete with shoulder moves), shares laughs about student reactions, and spotlights the incredible work happening across Okaloosa County Schools. From teacher inspiration and classroom visits to upcoming college & career fairs, Florida Prepaid updates, Take Stock in Children, community partnerships, and a major communication upgrade districtwide, this episode is packed with second‑semester energy. Plus: a challenge for principals—high‑fives incoming!
24 Jan 2026
Building Bridges, Sharing Stories
Join the OCSD team on this lively episode of the Not So Common Podcast as they recap community moments, from hockey games to school celebrations, and dive into how schools can amplify their stories through strong marketing and meaningful connections. Plus, updates on registration, e‑sports, upcoming events, and a whole lot of behind‑the‑scenes fun with the crew. Tune in for laughs, leadership insights, and the heart of Okaloosa County schools!
11 Jan 2026
Front Office: Roadhouse
You know you are curious! Listen to the third episode of Not So COMMon, but the first episode with our Marketing Minute-ish!
School CEO Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zRPTAc0TT3S0juti2hwWu
Transcript in Leadership Library
19 Dec 2025
Heading into the Holidays
Your favorite Comms team recaps some recent projects and gives a taste of what to expect second semester!
1 Nov 2025
We are Not So COMMon
In this episode of Not So COMMon, the Communications team shares timely updates and heartwarming highlights from across the district. Tune in for:
- Blessing Bags, Raptor Best Practices, Teacher Grants
- Thanksgiving Meals, Angel Tree
- Principal Appreciation Month, Leadership Library Resources
- BBQ and Bingo
Stay connected and informed with the stories that shape our schools.
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