Roll Call Podcast

Brian Murray & Josh Symonds
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  • EDUCATION

Rollcall is THE podcast for Educators, Administrators and School Leaders who want to be at the forefront of Independent School management. Hosted by boarding school expert, Brian Murray and acclaimed educator, Josh Symonds. Rollcall delivers practical strategies and insightful interviews that cover the most pressing issues in education today, including the key differences between teaching boys and girls, the most effective ways to work with students, and the next big changes to life on campus. Rollcall is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools across 5 continents to manage risk, gain efficiency and improve communications throughout boarding operations.

  1. Cloud, Control, and Risk: Where Schools Get Data Ownership Wrong

    FEB 23

    Cloud, Control, and Risk: Where Schools Get Data Ownership Wrong

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Keith Krass, Vice President of Partnerships and Global Strategy at Veracross, for a real-world look at how technology has shifted inside independent schools over the last decade. What used to be a "necessary evil" has become central to operations, student safety, and decision-making — and the people leading technology are increasingly becoming true campus leaders.   The conversation gets practical fast: cloud vs. on-prem, risk and resiliency, the critical importance of multi-factor authentication, and why schools still struggle with silos — not just between systems, but between people. Keith also breaks down why institutional research is emerging in K–12, and why schools that don't learn to use their data to ask better questions may fall behind. Show notes:   00:00 — Welcome + Keith Krass introduction   00:54 - Keith's background: educators, coaching, student development   03:00 - Biggest shifts in independent schools over the last decade (tech's role)   03:25 - Two buckets: cutting-edge schools vs. bare-minimum tech adoption   04:30 - "Outside the solar system to the sun": tech becomes central   05:13 - Cloud vs. on-prem: how the nature of work changed   06:45 - Risk & resiliency: fire, breach, backups, and operational continuity   07:33 - Cloud interdependence + the "expert team" tradeoff   08:27 - The false sense of control + why schools need the "why" explained   09:25 - Data ownership: the questions schools should ask vendors   10:01 - Data hostage stories + why access matters when switching systems   10:30 - The shift from IT director to CTO-level leadership in schools   12:17 - Tech's connection to student safety + thriving through data   13:50 - Tech leaders moving into head roles + why that pathway is growing   27:38 - Lightning round: AI hype, MFA security win, deepfakes, phones, and change management   Learn more about Veracross: https://www.veracross.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    45 min

  2. FEB 2

    Inside an Arts Boarding School: Grit, Growth, and Belonging with Melissa Cassel

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh sit down with Melissa Cassel, Dean of Students at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, to talk about what it really means to support teenagers in a place where school isn't just academics — it's a double curriculum of rigorous classes and intense artistic training, all inside a 24/7 boarding environment.   Melissa shares how she landed at Walnut Hill almost by accident… and why she stayed for 28 years: the job keeps changing, the students keep evolving, and the best part is watching young people become more confident, resilient, and fully themselves. She breaks down what a "normal day" actually looks like for a student (it's a marathon), why the arts are more than career prep, and how artistic training teaches skills most adults still struggle with — accepting critique, taking risks, making mistakes, and trying again.   The conversation also tackles bigger questions: how to help parents take the leap, what's changed in young artists over the last decade (hello, perfectionism and fear of failure), what grit looks like when your "instrument" is your body or voice, and why the future of arts education is shifting toward impact and global connection — not just technical excellence.   This is a thoughtful, human conversation for school leaders, boarding professionals, and parents who want their children to be more than high-performing… they want them to be whole.   Show notes:   00:00 – Introducing Melissa Cassel   01:23 – 28 years as Dean: how the job (and expectations) have changed   03:32 – A day in the life at Walnut Hill: the "double curriculum" reality   07:20 – Defending the arts: transferable skills, identity, and being "whole people"   10:08 – The tipping point for parents: "Your kid will be seen here"   12:57 – What's changed in young artists: perfectionism, fear of failure, learning through mistakes   16:07 – What grit looks like when you're constantly judged as the instrument   19:05 – Why boarding makes the arts different: empathy, community, and processing in real time   22:38 – Structure vs creativity: adjusting rules, accountability, and independence   32:52 – Where arts education is going next + Lightning Round   Learn more about Walnut Hill and Melissa Cassel: https://www.walnuthillarts.org/about/leadership   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    42 min
  3. How Schools Build Trust & Relevance in the Digital Age with Rob DiMartino

    JAN 12

    How Schools Build Trust & Relevance in the Digital Age with Rob DiMartino

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Rob DiMartino, co-founder and Chief Evangelist at Finalsite, to unpack a truth school leaders are feeling in real time: your digital presence isn't marketing anymore — it's your first campus visit.   Rob breaks down how independent schools can honor tradition without living in the rearview mirror, and why the strongest brands aren't built on slogans like "small classes" and "great community" (because everyone says that). Instead, schools win by getting unapologetically clear on their pillars of value, telling human stories that create trust, and designing a digital journey that helps families actually feel the experience before they ever book a tour.   The conversation also gets practical — from why "digital-first rebrands" have flipped the traditional order of branding, to the canaries in the coal mine leaders should watch for (data silos, too many vendors, weak engagement cadence), and how to audit your strategy through Rob's simple framework: Purpose, People, Platforms, Process.   This is a must-listen for heads of school, admissions, marketing, and advancement teams who want to grow enrollment, improve retention, and build community by owning their story — authentically.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Rob DiMartino   03:25 - Tradition vs. innovation: honoring history without living in the past   07:19 - Brand vs. engagement: why relevance matters more than slogans   10:11 - Breaking the "small classes & great community" messaging trap   12:10 - Turning student outcomes into authentic digital storytelling   15:19 - Mission fit, admissions pressure, and the retention risk schools ignore   21:11 - Why schools shifted from agencies to owning their digital platforms   29:01 - Auditing your digital strategy: Purpose, People, Platforms, Process   31:31 - AI, demographics, and protecting a school's true value proposition   37:09 - Lightning Round   Learn more about Finalsite and Rob DiMartino: https://www.finalsite.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    44 min
  4. Building a Culture of Preparedness and Connection with Mike Johnson

    2025-12-29

    Building a Culture of Preparedness and Connection with Mike Johnson

    On today's episode, Brian and Josh welcome Mike Johnson, founder of Clearpath and veteran security professional to the pod, whose work with schools worldwide highlights a critical truth: you can't secure a campus with hardware alone.   Mike makes the case that true safety is social, emotional, and physical — and that many schools over-invest in the physical while underestimating what's happening inside classrooms, hallways, and online.    For Mike, safety starts with connection: teachers who notice, counsellors who are empowered, and students who are given language and channels to raise concerns.   Together, the group discusses how to design age-appropriate drills for four-year-olds and teenagers alike without creating unnecessary fear, how to include students as genuine stakeholders in safety planning, and why debriefing drills is just as important as running them.    This is a thoughtful, people-first conversation for school leaders who want their safety programs to protect wellbeing as much as buildings.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Mike Johnson   04:14 - Why Schools Are Unprepared   06:43 - Social Media, Mental Health & Modern Safety   08:34 - The Risk Venn Diagram: Assets, Threats & Vulnerabilities   10:38 - Probability vs. Impact   14:14 - The Training Gap   17:13 - Safety Belongs in the Mission Statement   18:47 - Removing Fear with the "Even If…" Mindset   21:07 - Access Control: The #1 Vulnerability   24:01 - Success Stories from International Schools   27:41 - Technology ≠ Safety   30:39 - Drills Must Reflect Reality   32:59 - Lightning Round:   42:30 - Closing Thoughts     Learn more about Clearpath and Mike Johnson: https://clearpathepm.com/     This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    45 min
  5. Risk, Relationships, and Real-World Lessons with Becky Donovan

    2025-12-13

    Risk, Relationships, and Real-World Lessons with Becky Donovan

    Roll Call is back! Hosts Brian Murray and Josh Symonds sit down with Becky Donovan, Risk Management Consultant at AJ Gallagher, whose work with schools across North America is transforming how educators think about risk, relationships, and readiness. Becky's refreshing approach puts people first — she believes effective risk management begins with empathy, communication, and proactive culture. Together, the trio explore how schools can prepare for crises, update outdated policies, manage reputational threats, and navigate emerging risks like AI use, cyber safety, and student data privacy. From on-the-ground stories of real incidents to reflections on leadership, trust, and humanity in the face of crisis, this episode is an engaging look into how schools can move from reactive to proactive risk prevention — and why "Don't Hesitate, Delegate" should be the new mantra for every educator.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Becky Donovan   01:00 - Human-First Response to Crisis   03:10 - Why Relationships Matter in Risk Management   06:10 - The Hidden Gaps in School Risk Planning   08:30 - Updating Codes of Conduct (and Why It Matters)   10:30 - Specialized Codes for Specialized Contexts   14:00 - Making Risk "Manageable" for Teachers   15:30 - Brian's Field Trip Story and Lessons Learned   20:00 - When the Unexpected Happens   25:00 - AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy in Schools   30:00 - Blanket Permissions vs. Informed Consent   34:00 - Emerging Risks for Schools   36:00 - Social Media, Reputation & Crisis Response   40:00 - Data, Consent, and Collaboration   Connect with Becky Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmwithbecky/ Aj Gallagher: https://www.ajg.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    44 min

  6. 2023-12-15

    Telling Your School's Story with Ryan Koral

    RC027 -  Telling Your School's Story with Ryan Koral   Ryan Koral has over 18 years of experience as a documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur, Ryan is all about building partnerships with clients and sharing authentic stories that inspire action, highlight legacies, and help businesses grow. Ryan is also the founder of Enroll Films. Enroll Films began with a vision to revolutionize how educational stories are told. Today, we stand as a testament to the belief that authentic stories can shape perceptions, influence decisions, and create lasting impacts   "When you can relate, empathy grows and you feel connected to what you are watching." - Ryan Koral   "If you're not sharing stories and you're not taking about why you do this work, getting to your own heart and soul of why you care then you are missing the main element..." - Ryan Koral     This week on the Roll Call Podcast:     How Ryan came to film making Finding the moments Getting started Creating authentic content Getting the good stuff Asking the right questions Changing the world   Resources Mentioned:   Enroll Films: https://www.enrollfilms.com   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call with Brian Murray and Josh Simons, the show helping education professionals stay at the forefront of global education trends. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave your honest review.   Don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    42 min

  7. 2023-10-26

    The Evolution of the Boarding Experience with Keith Driscoll

    RC026 - The Evolution of the Boarding Experience with Keith Driscoll   Keith Driscoll has thirty years of experience in education. For the last seventeen years he has been at St. Michaels University School in Victoria, British Columbia where he is currently the Director of Boarding and Student Life.   "The boarding experience has changed...We are not going to make you into something, but you have the opportunity to make yourself into something." - Keith Driscoll   "Boarding is not a separate program. It is an integrated part of the school." - Keith Driscoll     This week on the Roll Call Podcast:     Boarding at SMUS The evolution of the boarding experience Hiring the right people The triple threat Creative compensation   Resources Mentioned:   St. Michaels University School: https://www.smus.ca/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call with Brian Murray and Josh Simons, the show helping education professionals stay at the forefront of global education trends. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave your honest review.   Don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    42 min

  8. 2023-10-20

    Restorative Practices in Education with Bridget Johnson

    RC025 -  Restorative Practices in Education with Bridget Johnson   Bridget Johnson is one of the founders of The Deans' Roundtable, a former Dean of Students and she has experience working in boarding schools. Bridget is currently working in the field of Restorative Practice and Restorative Justice.    "We want everyone to come out of the situation feeling like they have been heard, respected and supported in being their best self." - Bridget Johnson   "Using restorative practices does not mean there are no consequences for misbehaviour...its about restoring the harm that was done." - Bridget Johnson     This week on the Roll Call Podcast:     Bridget's path to working in Education Restorative Practice It takes work and vulnerability Being authentic  Fair process Moving towards managing relationships, not discipline.   Resources Mentioned:   Bridget - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson510/ https://deansroundtable.org https://www.iirp.edu/     This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call with Brian Murray and Josh Simons, the show helping education professionals stay at the forefront of global education trends. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and leave your honest review.   Don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    46 min
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About

Rollcall is THE podcast for Educators, Administrators and School Leaders who want to be at the forefront of Independent School management. Hosted by boarding school expert, Brian Murray and acclaimed educator, Josh Symonds. Rollcall delivers practical strategies and insightful interviews that cover the most pressing issues in education today, including the key differences between teaching boys and girls, the most effective ways to work with students, and the next big changes to life on campus. Rollcall is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools across 5 continents to manage risk, gain efficiency and improve communications throughout boarding operations.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Murray & Josh Symonds
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 All Rights Reserved REACH Student Life Management
  • Show Website
    Roll Call Podcast