What started as a viral TikTok moment during COVID quickly turned into a fast-growing company helping thousands of students navigate life after high school. Sophie and Leah share how a “happy accident” exposed a massive gap in college and career guidance, and how they built a near-peer coaching model to support students in ways traditional systems cannot.

Together, they unpack the reality facing school counselors today, why students are overwhelmed and often disengaged from their futures, and how personalized, human-centered support can reignite confidence and direction. From college admissions to career pathways, scholarships, and workforce readiness, this conversation highlights how education systems can better meet students where they are.

If you are an educator, parent, or leader trying to help students navigate an increasingly complex future, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what actually works.

What You’ll Learn

• How a viral TikTok video led to the creation of College Contact and a nationwide student support network

• Why traditional counseling models struggle to meet the needs of today’s students

• The power of near-peer coaching and why students respond differently to it

• How Gen Z approaches decision-making, including the role of social media and AI

• Why students are more focused on ROI and career outcomes than ever before

• The hidden questions students have that never make it to a counselor’s office

• How College Contact supports pathways beyond college, including careers, trades, and military options

• The importance of individualized guidance for every student’s unique situation

• How districts can use postsecondary outcomes as a competitive advantage

• Why accessibility, flexibility, and real human interaction matter in student support

• Lessons learned as young founders navigating entrepreneurship and building in education

Episode Timestamps

01:20 The origin story and “happy accident”

02:30 Building a near-peer coaching network

04:03 The counseling gap in schools

05:47 The power of relatable mentorship

10:07 What students aren’t asking counselors

14:03 Changing student mindset about careers

17:48 How College Contact ensures coach quality

21:16 Expanding beyond college into careers

25:49 Real student success story and ROI

30:18 Lessons from entrepreneurship challenges

34:55 Handling advice, pressure, and growth

37:56 Final reflections and how to connect

Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group

Special Thanks
To Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman for sharing their journey, their mission, and their commitment to helping every student find a path forward with confidence and clarity.

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With decades of experience leading some of the largest and most complex school systems in the country, Dr. Grier shares what it really takes to drive meaningful change in K-12 education. From navigating politics and governance to building high-performing teams and improving student outcomes at scale, this conversation is a candid look at leadership in action.

Dr. Grier also introduces the Educentric model, a results-driven framework that helps schools identify their most critical metric and stay relentlessly focused on improving it. Along the way, he reflects on lessons from Houston ISD, the importance of urgency, and why focus—not more initiatives—is the key to real progress.

What You’ll Learn

• Dr. Grier’s journey from teacher to superintendent across multiple states

  
  

• Key differences between leading small vs. large districts

  
  

• Why governance and school boards make or break district success

  
  

• The importance of focus in driving measurable outcomes

  
  

• How the Educentric framework helps schools prioritize what matters most

  
  

• Why many districts struggle with urgency and execution

  
  

• The role of autonomy and trust in empowering principals

  
  

• Lessons on hiring, team building, and leadership alignment

  
  

• Why innovation is often limited by politics and structure

  
  

• How school leaders should evaluate new opportunities and districts

  
  

• The growing need for districts to “sell” their value in a competitive landscape

  
  

• Why coaching and mentorship are critical for leaders at every level

Episode Timestamps

05:12 Guilford county school board insights

08:26 Introducing educentric framework in schools

10:51 Improving school graduation rates

15:36 Discussing educational challenges and strategies

16:45 Evaluating and Measuring School Culture

20:18 Focusing on district dropout rates

24:35 Getting Ready for College

26:21 Discussing a new education program

29:32 Adapting to the new voucher system

33:45 Support for school leaders

36:09 Discussing educator career paths

39:14 Evaluating leadership in new roles

44:31 Addressing education urgency issues

46:28 Leadership and school management philosophy

50:41 Impact of educational leadership

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Dr. Terry Grier for sharing decades of leadership experience and for his continued work helping schools focus, execute, and improve outcomes for all students.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Dr. Conner shares his journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and how a pivotal decision to study business analytics and AI reshaped his perspective on education. What emerges is a bold vision for moving beyond traditional models toward what he calls “22nd century education”—where data, artificial intelligence, and systems-level thinking drive real transformation.

This episode blends personal storytelling with deep strategic insight—from the formative experience of “battling the library” as a child to rethinking how districts use data today. If you’re a district leader, board member, or education innovator, this conversation will challenge how you think about data, leadership, and what it truly takes to prepare students for the future.

What You’ll Learn

• Dr. Conner’s journey from teacher to superintendent to AI-driven education leader
• How early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to learning
• Why traditional education leadership models are no longer enough
• The difference between “old data” analysis and real-time decision-making
• What schools are missing when they rely on siloed data
• Why every district needs a data scientist
• The concept of “inexactitude analysis” and why it matters
• How governance and school boards can become truly data-driven
• Why systems thinking is critical for sustainable school improvement
• How to move from isolated interventions to whole-system transformation
• The importance of preparing for Generation Alpha and Generation Beta
• Why AI is not just a tool—but a transformational force in education

Episode Timestamps

03:41 "22nd Century Education Disruptor"

07:03 "Journey to a Love for Reading"

12:34 "Real-Time Data Transformation Needed"

14:26 "Inexactitude Analysis in Education"

19:01 "Building Education Capabilities Systemically"

21:58 "Data-Driven Governance Innovation"

25:45 "Superintendent Challenges and Insights"

31:13 "Holistic Change Management Approach"

33:30 "Holistic Systems Drive Success"

36:34 "Future-Proofing Education Models"

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Dr. Michael Conner for sharing his visionary thinking and practical insights on transforming education through data, systems, and AI.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Ryan shares the full journey from growing FEV Tutor from $0 to $50M without outside investment to now helping edtech companies scale the right way. Grounded in a family of educators, his work has always centered on equity, access, and delivering real outcomes for students.

Rick and Ryan dive into what it actually takes to build, scale, and sell an edtech company, and why many companies get it wrong in today’s market. From the “false reality” created during COVID funding to what districts actually need now, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons on strategy, partnerships, and long-term impact.

If you’re building in edtech, leading a district, or trying to navigate what comes next in K–12, this episode offers clarity on where the market is heading and how to win by doing the right work.

What You’ll Learn

• How Ryan helped grow FEV Tutor from startup to $50M without outside capital

• The real gap tutoring was solving for underserved students

• Why tech-enabled services beat pure software in high-impact interventions

• Lessons from building, scaling, and eventually selling an edtech company

• Why mentorship and learning from the right people accelerates growth

• What the edtech market got wrong during COVID and ESSER funding

• Why today’s market demands outcomes, not features

• The shift from vendor selling to strategic partnerships with districts

• Common mistakes edtech companies make in messaging and go-to-market strategy

• Why net revenue retention matters more than just landing new deals

• What it takes to build trust and long-term partnerships with school districts

Episode Timestamps

05:51 "Equitable Tutoring for All Students"

07:24 "Urgency in Education Leadership"

11:52 "Lessons on Growth and Investment"

15:55 "Building Networks Through Curiosity"

18:15 "Rebuilding Schools Through Leadership"

23:13 "Second Chance for Greater Growth"

25:38 "Bittersweet Journey of Selling Business"

30:15 Edtech's Post-Pandemic Reset

32:11 "Seizing Opportunities in EdTech"

34:53 Strategic Partnerships in EdTech

39:38 Regional Strategy & Revenue Retention

44:02 "Doing Well While Doing Good"

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Ryan Patenaude for sharing an honest and insightful look into building, scaling, and evolving in edtech, and for continuing to support companies and districts focused on real student impact.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

With a unique background spanning public finance, school board governance, and long-range facilities planning, Susan brings a multi-dimensional perspective to some of the biggest challenges facing K–12 today. From school choice and declining enrollment to fiscal sustainability and aging facilities, she shares why districts must rethink how they plan, operate, and serve their communities.

Rick and Susan also explore the growing pressures on school boards, the evolving role of the superintendent as a CEO-style leader, and the importance of staying focused on student outcomes amid political noise and distractions. If you’re thinking about the future of district leadership, facilities strategy, or how to adapt to enrollment shifts, this conversation offers both clarity and practical insight.

What You’ll Learn

• How school choice is reshaping enrollment patterns across the country

• Why declining birth rates are creating long-term enrollment challenges for districts

• The financial pressure districts face after ESSER funding expired

• Why student attendance trends are becoming a major academic and economic concern

• The importance of board members focusing on fiduciary responsibility and student outcomes

• Common distractions that derail school board discussions from academic priorities

• Why the superintendent role increasingly resembles that of a CEO

• The connection between early literacy, workforce readiness, and economic competitiveness

• What strong fiscal and facilities health looks like for a school district

• Innovative ways districts can repurpose underutilized facilities

Episode Timestamps

03:56 "Challenges of Declining School Enrollment"

10:13 Board Members' Fiduciary Responsibility Overview

11:20 Board Members Must Prioritize Learning

15:11 "Prioritizing Safety, Engagement, and Academics"

18:48 Evolving Role of Superintendents

22:09 Educating Kids Over AI Dependence

26:17 "Data-Driven Education for Careers"

28:58 Balancing Enrollment, Costs, and Programs

34:44 "Addressing Enrollment with Pre-K Expansion"

36:12 Repurposed Schools Build Community Hub

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Dr. Miranda Walachowski for bringing both research and real-world experience into the team effectiveness conversation, and for the work she does to help leaders build stronger teams that execute with clarity, trust, and purpose.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Miranda shares her unexpected path from maritime business and a planned law career into education, and eventually into coaching as the missing link she believed schools and organizations needed. Together, Rick and Miranda unpack why even the most talented leadership teams struggle, how society’s pressure shows up inside team dynamics, and why “high performers” do not automatically equal a high-performing team.

They explore what real team development looks like beyond retreats and sticky notes, how to spot misalignment before things go off the rails, and why execution is still the ultimate indicator. If you lead a cabinet, campus team, department, or organization trying to do big work with real people, this episode delivers both mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply immediately.

What You’ll Learn

• Miranda’s journey from maritime business and law aspirations to bilingual ESL teaching and a doctorate in education

• Why coaching felt like the missing piece for burnout, purpose loss, and pressure in education

• Why a team is a microcosm of society and how societal stress spills into workplaces

• Why putting high performers together does not automatically create a great team

• How department-first thinking can quietly block whole-system progress

• Key signs a team is misaligned, including undermining decisions after meetings

• Why leaders often rate their teams higher than everyone else and what that means

• The difference between team building, facilitation, strategic planning, and real team coaching

• Why psychological safety is non-negotiable for team performance

• How team coaching creates measurable ROI, including time and cost savings

• A simple feedback practice leaders can try for 30 days to improve team effectiveness

Episode Timestamps

04:09 "Passion, Pivot, and Leadership Challenges"

07:39 Collaborative Leadership Over Competition

11:53 Team Dynamics: Mirrors and Signals

12:56 Execution Defines Success

18:23 "Practice Harder Than Performance"

21:37 "Leaders Assessing When to Seek Help"

26:18 Balancing Leadership and Individual Roles

28:41 "Seeking Solutions Amidst Tension"

32:51 Collaborative Team Coaching Approach

36:15 "Clarity, ROI, and Positive Energy"

39:25 "Satisfaction-Driven Collaboration Process"

40:22 Collaborative Intervention Design Process

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Miranda F. Walichowski for bringing both research and real-world experience into the team effectiveness conversation, and for the work she does to help leaders build stronger teams that execute with clarity, trust, and purpose.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From why he first ran for the school board to what changed when COVID turned every decision into a no-win situation, Matt shares what it really looks like to lead through pressure while staying focused on students, staff, and community trust.

Rick and Matt dig into the realities behind superintendent leadership, why consistency matters more than flashy initiatives, and how schools have quietly taken on responsibilities that used to sit at home. They also tackle the voucher conversation in Texas, where the intended use may collide with what actually happens once money hits the system.

If you care about school governance, leadership under scrutiny, and how to simplify the work without losing the mission, this episode is packed with perspective and practical wisdom.

What You’ll Learn

• Why Matt ran for the Tomball ISD board and why he knew he wouldn’t stay forever

• How consistency from school boards can reduce chaos for superintendents and staff

• Why a superintendent role compares to a CEO or city manager and what critics often miss

• The unintended pressure COVID created and what leadership looks like when everyone is angry

• Why schools have become the catch-all for society and how that impacts learning

• The quiet power of parent involvement and why it tends to fade as students get older

• What voucher rollout could mean in practice, including unexpected sports academy models

• Why competition only works if everyone plays by the same rules and standards

• Advice for cabinet-level leaders presenting to boards: credibility, clarity, and no guesswork

  
  

• Why real change requires trust, time, and small wins before big shifts

Episode Timestamps

05:11 Consistent Leadership and Stadium Decision

07:02 Superintendent: A Small City CEO

10:26 School Leadership During Covid

14:56 "Back to Basics for Education"

16:48 Parental Involvement Key to Success

22:46 Education Vouchers and Accessibility

26:03 Maximizing Resources for True Competition

27:06 Homeschooling, Politics, and State Tests

31:56 "Advice for New School Leaders"

35:01 "Assessing Ideas Before Action"

37:30 "Start Small, Plan Long-Term"

39:39 "Unclear Spending Hinders Solutions"

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Matt Schiel for sharing a grounded, community-first perspective on school board service, leadership consistency, and the realities districts face when politics and policy collide with day-to-day schooling.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From her early days as a reading interventionist to leading statewide literacy initiatives and navigating the complexities of district support, Dr. Norton shares how her passion for impact guided every career move, even her recent leap into consulting and her work at the frontier of AI in education. Together, Rick Fernandez and Elizabeth Norton dig deep into the real-world challenges of creating coherence across massive systems, supporting teacher growth in an era of rapid technological change, and reimagining the high school experience for a future shaped by artificial intelligence and evolving workforce needs.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or just curious about how big ideas become real solutions, this episode will spark a fresh perspective on transformation, continuous improvement, and what it takes to truly solve for X in today’s schools. So grab your coffee, and maybe some hot sauce, and get ready for an insightful journey with Dr. Elizabeth Norton!

What You’ll Learn

• Why coherence, structures, and routines are essential for leading large-scale improvement—and how leaders lose impact when those systems break down

• What it takes to lead continuous improvement effectively, including the role of after-action reviews, leading indicators, and disciplined follow-through

• Why AI literacy is now a leadership responsibility, not just a technology issue—and what district and school leaders need to understand right now

• How AI is poised to reshape teaching, assessment, and professional learning, moving schools toward process-based evaluation and project-based learning

• The emerging impact of AI on CTE pathways and workforce readiness, including which career clusters are most vulnerable to automation

• Why the future of high school depends on reimagining CTE, relevance, and postsecondary pathways, and how systems must evolve to keep students engaged

Episode Timestamps

04:14 "Building Coherence in Education"

07:18 "Building Coherence with Structure"

11:55 Tennessee's Push for AI Literacy

14:18 "AI Leadership for Everyone"

19:40 Rethinking Assessment in AI Era

21:27 "PBL: The Future of Learning"

25:51 AI as Lesson Thought Partner

27:32 AI's Impact on Career Clusters

31:42 "AI as Tool for Teacher Versatility"

33:57 "Challenges in Education Certification"

39:57 "Leadership through Growth and Empowerment"

42:37 "Improving Data Collection for Change"

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group
  
  

Special Thanks

To Elizabeth Norton and the Tennessee Department of Education team for their commitment to helping districts navigate complex challenges with clarity, strategy, and a deep focus on student success.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From portraits of a graduate and durable skills to VR-driven trades training and virtual internships, this episode dives into how districts can rethink CTE—not as a track for “some students,” but as life readiness for all. You’ll hear how schools can partner with local businesses, leverage trusted vendors, and use technology to create pathways where students graduate employable, adaptable, and prepared to pivot in a fast-changing economy.

What You’ll Learn

- Why every educator has “the longest CTE experience ever” just by being in schools

- How early conversations about financial literacy, ROI, and student debt can change postsecondary choices

- What “durable skills” (grit, resilience, numeracy, financial literacy) students need to navigate multiple careers

- Ways to use VR, virtual internships, and community partnerships to make trades and pathways relevant

- Why tight budgets make flexible, educator-first partners more important than ever

Episode Timestamps
00:00 Texas hot sauce cold open & welcome to Solve for X
00:30 Meet Tatiana Ciccarelli, National Solutions Director at Edmentum
01:23 From family of educators to special education math teacher in NYC
03:17 Leaving the classroom and discovering transferable skills
07:34 CTE trends, portraits of a graduate, and durable skills
10:10 Rebranding CTE and talking ROI, debt, and “life readiness”
18:12 Virtual internships, VR for trades, and overcoming logistics
25:13 Leveraging business partners and vendors for student pathways
30:42 Who’s the family “CEO” and closing reflections

Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/

Special Thanks
To Tatiana Ciccarelli and the Edmentum team for their work advancing CTE, durable skills, and educator-first solutions that help students move confidently from classroom to career.

Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration.

Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From landmark teacher pay raises to the controversial expansion of school choice, Max unpacks what the latest legislative session means for educators, families, and communities. With clarity and candor, he breaks down the complexity of HB2 and HB8, and shares why the fight for public education funding is far from over.

Whether you’re a district leader, teacher, or policymaker, this episode offers insider perspective on the forces shaping Texas classrooms—and what’s at stake in the years ahead.

What You’ll Learn

● The key provisions of HB2 and what teacher retention and incentive allotments mean for salaries statewide

● Why timing and inflation complicate district budgeting despite new funding

● The creation of the ABC (Allotment for Basic Costs) and its impact on school operations

● Teacher certification challenges—and how new rules could reshape the workforce

● How HB8 reforms accountability, testing, and the STAAR system

● What Texas’ first school choice bill (SB2) means for families, districts, and the future of public education

● Why funding gaps still leave Texas far from national averages, and what it will take to catch up

Episode Timestamps

00:42 Meet Max Rombado, Raise Your Hand Texas

02:01 Legislative priorities: school funding, accountability, and choice

03:48 Teacher retention allotment explained

05:37 How much funding is allocated for teacher pay raises

07:26 The ABC allotment: covering operational costs

11:45 Inflation and the limits of new funding

13:29 Teacher certification challenges and incentives

14:58 The new three-test system: STAAR to Student Success Tool

18:21 School choice in Texas: SB2 and its implications

21:01 Private schools, charters, and shifting dynamics

22:32 Advocacy and getting involved with Raise Your Hand Texas

Connect with Us
● Host’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/)

Special Thanks
To Max Rombado and the Raise Your Hand Texas team for their commitment to strengthening public education and advocating for teachers, students, and communities statewide.

Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From balancing technology and trust to supporting leaders under pressure, this episode explores what it takes to lead through change and protect what matters most in public education.

What You’ll Learn

• Why school safety starts with people, not just products

• How districts can move from reaction to prevention after crises

• The rising stress on Texas superintendents and how boards can help

• Why leadership wellness should be part of every district’s accountability

• How smaller districts can create workforce pathways through partnerships

• The link between community trust, school culture, and strong leadership

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Solve for X — “Risk it to get that biscuit”
01:17 Meet Russ Johnson, CEO of Tessera Technology Group and Lorena ISD Trustee
02:10 What Tessera solves for: building safety through collaboration
03:20 The three pillars of school safety—facilities, tech, and the human factor
05:10 Avoiding reactionary decisions: the “pendulum effect” after tragedy
07:00 Balancing security and culture: keeping schools welcoming
09:10 Superintendent wellness and why it’s often overlooked
11:45 The politics of leadership—pay, pressure, and sustainability
14:20 Preparing students for the workforce through innovation and partnerships
20:00 Closing reflections—why educator voices must stay loud and united

Connect with Us

Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/

Special Thanks

To Russ Johnson and the Tessera Technology Group team for their work advancing safer schools, stronger leadership, and sustainable education in Texas.

Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration.
Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From sentiment tools and push notifications to anonymous input and district-level branding, Jonathan explains how superintendents, boards, and school teams can use real-time feedback to build trust, reduce crisis noise, and make faster, smarter calls.

What You’ll Learn

• Why continuous engagement beats sporadic surveys for decision-making

• How moderation tools keep discourse productive (not performative)

• Ways districts use OurCo for pay systems, wraparound services, and student voice

• How real-time polling informs board meetings and crisis comms

• Branding, privacy, and anonymity: building trust while getting honest input

• Using OurCo to market your district amid school choice and consolidation pressures

• Cost and time advantages vs. traditional survey consultants

• How nonprofits and statewide orgs can align far-flung members quickly

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Cold open & welcome to Solve for X
00:51 Meet Jonathan Wachtel + why the name “OurCo”
02:16 What OurCo solves: social + sentiment for real-time decisions
03:21 Use cases: HISD, wraparound services, and student voice
04:53 Moderation & controls: keeping engagement constructive
06:44 From journalism to K-12: avoiding scandals with proactive comms
09:23 What’s different about OurCo: engagement loop + live dashboards
12:36 Competing for families: branding, outreach, and community consensus
14:56 Trust & privacy: data ownership, options for anonymous input
19:26 Getting started: customization, pricing value, and broader use cases

Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/

Special Thanks
To Jonathan Wachtel and the OurCo team for helping education leaders listen first, decide wisely, and build durable community trust.

Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration.
Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From tutoring kids in their living rooms to advising districts facing multimillion-dollar facility decisions, David’s journey reflects both passion and pragmatism. In this conversation, he shares the hard truths about declining enrollment, the hidden costs of spreading resources too thin, and why equity in practice—not just in theory—should drive every major district decision.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community leader, this episode challenges assumptions and offers a blueprint for sustainable, student-centered planning.

What You’ll Learn

• How David’s unusual path from tutoring and missionary teaching led to K12 facilities planning

  
  

• The demographic and economic forces driving school consolidation nationwide

  
  

• Why predictable quality—not flashy programs—is the key to community trust

  
  

• How districts can avoid common pitfalls when tackling consolidation and bond programs

  
  

• Case studies from Texas, North Dakota, and beyond that highlight innovative facility solutions

  
  

• The difference between equity as a buzzword and equity as a measurable, actionable plan

  
  

• Why community engagement must go beyond “fear management” to true co-creation

  
  

• How to choose the right partner for strategic facility planning—and avoid costly missteps

Episode Timestamps

02:16 Assess, Plan, Design, Build: Woolpert’s Full Lifecycle Approach

03:30 From Tutoring Startup to Facilities Planning

07:16 The National Challenge of Declining Enrollment

11:49 The Biggest Mistakes Districts Make in Consolidation

13:53 Predictable Quality Over Flashy Programs

17:14 Equity in Practice: Lessons from Arlington ISD

21:06 Why Shared Career Tech Centers Beat “Mini Programs”

Connect with Us

• Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group

Special Thanks

To David Sturtz and the Woolpert team for their commitment to helping districts navigate complex challenges with clarity, strategy, and a deep focus on student success.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

This conversation goes beyond uniforms and ranks. Brenda opens up about advancing through the enlisted ranks, navigating leadership as a young Latina, balancing dual military life with family, and charting a future in healthcare—all while earning her degrees with Navy support. Whether you’re curious about military life, passionate about career development, or simply love a story of resilience and reinvention, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a few surprises along the way.

What You'll Learn

• How Brenda accidentally walked into her Navy career—and never looked back

• The truth about Navy boot camp (Hint: It's not like the movies)

• How the Navy fosters leadership and career advancement, from E1 to E6 and beyond

• The surprising overlap between shipboard electrical systems and civilian trades

• Why military service can be a springboard to careers in STEM, healthcare, and beyond

• The role of women and Latinas in reshaping the face of the armed forces

• What it’s like to be dual military and how the Navy supports family life

• How duty stations get assigned (including how to land in sunny San Diego or Japan!)

Time Stamps

03:31 "Unexpected Challenges of Boot Camp"

07:40 Path to E5 Advancement

10:18 Rapid Advancement in Navy Ranks

14:18 Aircraft Carrier Work Center Specialties

17:01 Navy Skills: Versatile Career Paths

19:04 Versatile Skills for Employment

25:06 "Finding Your Local Navy Recruiter"

25:52 Tribute to Armed Forces

Connect with Us

Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/

Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group

Special Thanks

To Brenda Robinson and all service members for their dedication, service, and continued pursuit of excellence—on and off duty.

Stay Connected

Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration.
Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.