Inside Today’s Public School System w/Leslie Oduwole

In this empowering episode of Suburban Burnout, we sit down with Leslie Oduwole—a two-time Collegiate All-American athlete turned educator and Assistant Principal at Pflugerville ISD. Leslie shares her personal journey from the tennis courts to school administration and dives deep into the realities of today’s public education system.

We discuss how parents can effectively support their children, whether they’re navigating academic pressures, school safety, bullying, special education needs, or the maze of college prep. Leslie also offers clear guidance on advocating for accommodations, understanding student rights during school investigations, and fostering student growth without getting lost in the college admissions race.

Whether your child is neurodivergent, anxious about school, or aiming for a top-tier university, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.

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Key Takeaways:

• Leslie’s transition from student-athlete to school administrator

• What real parental involvement looks like today

• How to build better communication with teachers and school leaders

• Understanding special education resources, both in and out of school systems

• A breakdown of students’ rights during school investigations

• Addressing bullying and digital peer pressure with empathy and clarity

• How colleges evaluate applicants—and why balance matters more than burnout

Helpful Resources for Parents in Texas:

🌟 Special Education & Evaluation Resources:

• Texas Project FIRST (Families, Information, Resources, Support, and Training) – A parent-friendly site created by parents, for parents of students receiving special education services.

• Navigate Life Texas – Find diagnostic testing options and special needs support services outside of the school system.

• Texas Education Agency – Special Education Parent Resources – Learn your rights and how to request an evaluation.

• The Arc of Texas – Advocacy and education resources for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.