From the Library to the Future of AI in Education With Dr. Michael Conner

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Michael Conner, CEO and Founder of Agile Evolutionary Group and former superintendent, for a powerful conversation on leadership, systems thinking, and the future of education.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 LearnDr. Conner’s journey from teacher to superintendent to AI-driven education leaderHow early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to learningWhy traditional education leadership models are no longer enoughThe difference between “old data” analysis and real-time decision-makingWhat schools are missing when they rely on siloed dataWhy every district needs a data scientistThe concept of “inexactitude analysis” and why it mattersHow governance and school boards can become truly data-drivenWhy systems thinking is critical for sustainable school improvementHow to move from isolated interventions to whole-system transformationThe importance of preparing for Generation Alpha and Generation BetaWhy AI is not just a tool—but a transformational force in educationEpisode Timestamps03:41 "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 UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo Dr. Michael Conner for sharing his visionary thinking and practical insights on transforming education through data, systems, and AI.Stay ConnectedFollow, 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.