Solve for X

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Sophie Smith, Founder and CEO, and Leah Guesman, Co-Founder of College Contact.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 LearnHow a viral TikTok video led to the creation of College Contact and a nationwide student support networkWhy traditional counseling models struggle to meet the needs of today’s studentsThe power of near-peer coaching and why students respond differently to itHow Gen Z approaches decision-making, including the role of social media and AIWhy students are more focused on ROI and career outcomes than ever beforeThe hidden questions students have that never make it to a counselor’s officeHow College Contact supports pathways beyond college, including careers, trades, and military optionsThe importance of individualized guidance for every student’s unique situationHow districts can use postsecondary outcomes as a competitive advantageWhy accessibility, flexibility, and real human interaction matter in student supportLessons learned as young founders navigating entrepreneurship and building in educationEpisode Timestamps01:20 The origin story and “happy accident”02:30 Building a near-peer coaching network04:03 The counseling gap in schools05:47 The power of relatable mentorship10:07 What students aren’t asking counselors14:03 Changing student mindset about careers17:48 How College Contact ensures coach quality21:16 Expanding beyond college into careers25:49 Real student success story and ROI30:18 Lessons from entrepreneurship challenges34:55 Handling advice, pressure, and growth37:56 Final reflections and how to connectConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo 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.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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Terry Grier, former superintendent of Houston ISD, San Diego Unified, and Guilford County Schools, and now Co-Founder of Educentric.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 LearnDr. Grier’s journey from teacher to superintendent across multiple statesKey differences between leading small vs. large districtsWhy governance and school boards make or break district successThe importance of focus in driving measurable outcomesHow the Educentric framework helps schools prioritize what matters mostWhy many districts struggle with urgency and executionThe role of autonomy and trust in empowering principalsLessons on hiring, team building, and leadership alignmentWhy innovation is often limited by politics and structureHow school leaders should evaluate new opportunities and districtsThe growing need for districts to “sell” their value in a competitive landscapeWhy coaching and mentorship are critical for leaders at every levelEpisode Timestamps05:12 Guilford county school board insights08:26 Introducing educentric framework in schools10:51 Improving school graduation rates15:36 Discussing educational challenges and strategies16:45 Evaluating and Measuring School Culture20:18 Focusing on district dropout rates24:35 Getting Ready for College26:21 Discussing a new education program29:32 Adapting to the new voucher system33:45 Support for school leaders36:09 Discussing educator career paths39:14 Evaluating leadership in new roles44:31 Addressing education urgency issues46:28 Leadership and school management philosophy50:41 Impact of educational leadershipConnect 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. Terry Grier for sharing decades of leadership experience and for his continued work helping schools focus, execute, and improve outcomes for all students.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.

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.

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Ryan Patenaude, Founder and Managing Director of RP Impact Partners and co-founder of FEV Tutor.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 LearnHow Ryan helped grow FEV Tutor from startup to $50M without outside capitalThe real gap tutoring was solving for underserved studentsWhy tech-enabled services beat pure software in high-impact interventionsLessons from building, scaling, and eventually selling an edtech companyWhy mentorship and learning from the right people accelerates growthWhat the edtech market got wrong during COVID and ESSER fundingWhy today’s market demands outcomes, not featuresThe shift from vendor selling to strategic partnerships with districtsCommon mistakes edtech companies make in messaging and go-to-market strategyWhy net revenue retention matters more than just landing new dealsWhat it takes to build trust and long-term partnerships with school districtsEpisode Timestamps05:51 "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 Reset32:11 "Seizing Opportunities in EdTech"34:53 Strategic Partnerships in EdTech39:38 Regional Strategy & Revenue Retention44:02 "Doing Well While Doing Good"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 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 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.

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Susan Miller, Senior Director of K–12 Consulting at Woolpert and a former school board member in Jefferson County, Colorado.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 LearnHow school choice is reshaping enrollment patterns across the countryWhy declining birth rates are creating long-term enrollment challenges for districtsThe financial pressure districts face after ESSER funding expiredWhy student attendance trends are becoming a major academic and economic concernThe importance of board members focusing on fiduciary responsibility and student outcomesCommon distractions that derail school board discussions from academic prioritiesWhy the superintendent role increasingly resembles that of a CEOThe connection between early literacy, workforce readiness, and economic competitivenessWhat strong fiscal and facilities health looks like for a school districtInnovative ways districts can repurpose underutilized facilitiesEpisode Timestamps03:56 "Challenges of Declining School Enrollment"10:13 Board Members' Fiduciary Responsibility Overview11:20 Board Members Must Prioritize Learning15:11 "Prioritizing Safety, Engagement, and Academics"18:48 Evolving Role of Superintendents22:09 Educating Kids Over AI Dependence26:17 "Data-Driven Education for Careers"28:58 Balancing Enrollment, Costs, and Programs34:44 "Addressing Enrollment with Pre-K Expansion"36:12 Repurposed Schools Build Community HubConnect 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. 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 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.

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Miranda F. Walichowski, Professor at Texas A and M University and the Principal and Founding Human Architect of Human Architects.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 LearnMiranda’s journey from maritime business and law aspirations to bilingual ESL teaching and a doctorate in educationWhy coaching felt like the missing piece for burnout, purpose loss, and pressure in educationWhy a team is a microcosm of society and how societal stress spills into workplacesWhy putting high performers together does not automatically create a great teamHow department-first thinking can quietly block whole-system progressKey signs a team is misaligned, including undermining decisions after meetingsWhy leaders often rate their teams higher than everyone else and what that meansThe difference between team building, facilitation, strategic planning, and real team coachingWhy psychological safety is non-negotiable for team performanceHow team coaching creates measurable ROI, including time and cost savingsA simple feedback practice leaders can try for 30 days to improve team effectivenessEpisode Timestamps04:09 "Passion, Pivot, and Leadership Challenges"07:39 Collaborative Leadership Over Competition11:53 Team Dynamics: Mirrors and Signals12:56 Execution Defines Success18:23 "Practice Harder Than Performance"21:37 "Leaders Assessing When to Seek Help"26:18 Balancing Leadership and Individual Roles28:41 "Seeking Solutions Amidst Tension"32:51 Collaborative Team Coaching Approach36:15 "Clarity, ROI, and Positive Energy"39:25 "Satisfaction-Driven Collaboration Process"40:22 Collaborative Intervention Design ProcessConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo 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 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.

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Matt Schiel, a retired Tomball ISD board member and Texas education advocate known for his steady, no-nonsense approach to governance.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 LearnWhy Matt ran for the Tomball ISD board and why he knew he wouldn’t stay foreverHow consistency from school boards can reduce chaos for superintendents and staffWhy a superintendent role compares to a CEO or city manager and what critics often missThe unintended pressure COVID created and what leadership looks like when everyone is angryWhy schools have become the catch-all for society and how that impacts learningThe quiet power of parent involvement and why it tends to fade as students get olderWhat voucher rollout could mean in practice, including unexpected sports academy modelsWhy competition only works if everyone plays by the same rules and standardsAdvice for cabinet-level leaders presenting to boards: credibility, clarity, and no guessworkWhy real change requires trust, time, and small wins before big shiftsEpisode Timestamps05:11 Consistent Leadership and Stadium Decision07:02 Superintendent: A Small City CEO10:26 School Leadership During Covid14:56 "Back to Basics for Education"16:48 Parental Involvement Key to Success22:46 Education Vouchers and Accessibility26:03 Maximizing Resources for True Competition27:06 Homeschooling, Politics, and State Tests31:56 "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 UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo 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 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.

This week, our host Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Norton, a relentless leader and CTE workforce expert with a remarkable journey through the heart of Tennessee’s education system.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 LearnWhy coherence, structures, and routines are essential for leading large-scale improvement—and how leaders lose impact when those systems break downWhat it takes to lead continuous improvement effectively, including the role of after-action reviews, leading indicators, and disciplined follow-throughWhy AI literacy is now a leadership responsibility, not just a technology issue—and what district and school leaders need to understand right nowHow AI is poised to reshape teaching, assessment, and professional learning, moving schools toward process-based evaluation and project-based learningThe emerging impact of AI on CTE pathways and workforce readiness, including which career clusters are most vulnerable to automationWhy the future of high school depends on reimagining CTE, relevance, and postsecondary pathways, and how systems must evolve to keep students engagedEpisode Timestamps04:14 "Building Coherence in Education"07:18 "Building Coherence with Structure"11:55 Tennessee's Push for AI Literacy14:18 "AI Leadership for Everyone"19:40 Rethinking Assessment in AI Era21:27 "PBL: The Future of Learning"25:51 AI as Lesson Thought Partner27:32 AI's Impact on Career Clusters31:42 "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 UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo 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 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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Tatiana Ciccarelli, National Solutions Director at Edmentum. A former special education and middle school math teacher from New York City, Tatiana shares how her classroom experience, family conversations about money, and leap into edtech shaped her view of what real college and career readiness should look like for today’s students.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 everEpisode Timestamps00:00 Texas hot sauce cold open & welcome to Solve for X00:30 Meet Tatiana Ciccarelli, National Solutions Director at Edmentum01:23 From family of educators to special education math teacher in NYC03:17 Leaving the classroom and discovering transferable skills07:34 CTE trends, portraits of a graduate, and durable skills10:10 Rebranding CTE and talking ROI, debt, and “life readiness”18:12 Virtual internships, VR for trades, and overcoming logistics25:13 Leveraging business partners and vendors for student pathways30:42 Who’s the family “CEO” and closing reflectionsConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Special ThanksTo 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 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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Max Rombado, Legislative Director at Raise Your Hand Texas. A proud Houstonian and Springwoods High alum, Max brings deep experience navigating the Capitol and advocating for policies that strengthen public education across the state.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 upEpisode Timestamps00:42 Meet Max Rombado, Raise Your Hand Texas02:01 Legislative priorities: school funding, accountability, and choice03:48 Teacher retention allotment explained05:37 How much funding is allocated for teacher pay raises07:26 The ABC allotment: covering operational costs11:45 Inflation and the limits of new funding13:29 Teacher certification challenges and incentives14:58 The new three-test system: STAAR to Student Success Tool18:21 School choice in Texas: SB2 and its implications21:01 Private schools, charters, and shifting dynamics22:32 Advocacy and getting involved with Raise Your Hand TexasConnect with Us● Host’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/)Special ThanksTo 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 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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Russ Johnson, CEO of Tessera Technology Group and Trustee at Lorena ISD. With over 30 years in education and leadership, Russ shares how districts can strengthen school safety, sustain superintendents, and prepare students for meaningful careers—while keeping community and care at the center.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 LearnWhy school safety starts with people, not just productsHow districts can move from reaction to prevention after crisesThe rising stress on Texas superintendents and how boards can helpWhy leadership wellness should be part of every district’s accountabilityHow smaller districts can create workforce pathways through partnershipsThe link between community trust, school culture, and strong leadershipEpisode Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Solve for X — “Risk it to get that biscuit”01:17 Meet Russ Johnson, CEO of Tessera Technology Group and Lorena ISD Trustee02:10 What Tessera solves for: building safety through collaboration03:20 The three pillars of school safety—facilities, tech, and the human factor05:10 Avoiding reactionary decisions: the “pendulum effect” after tragedy07:00 Balancing security and culture: keeping schools welcoming09:10 Superintendent wellness and why it’s often overlooked11:45 The politics of leadership—pay, pressure, and sustainability14:20 Preparing students for the workforce through innovation and partnerships20:00 Closing reflections—why educator voices must stay loud and unitedConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Special ThanksTo Russ Johnson and the Tessera Technology Group team for their work advancing safer schools, stronger leadership, and sustainable education in Texas.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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Jonathan Wachtel, Co-Founder of OurCo. With a background spanning journalism, diplomacy, and public affairs, Jonathan shares how OurCo helps districts move beyond one-off surveys to ongoing, moderated community engagement—so leaders can take the pulse before big decisions, not after the backlash.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 LearnWhy continuous engagement beats sporadic surveys for decision-makingHow moderation tools keep discourse productive (not performative)Ways districts use OurCo for pay systems, wraparound services, and student voiceHow real-time polling informs board meetings and crisis commsBranding, privacy, and anonymity: building trust while getting honest inputUsing OurCo to market your district amid school choice and consolidation pressuresCost and time advantages vs. traditional survey consultantsHow nonprofits and statewide orgs can align far-flung members quicklyEpisode Timestamps00:00 Cold open & welcome to Solve for X00:51 Meet Jonathan Wachtel + why the name “OurCo”02:16 What OurCo solves: social + sentiment for real-time decisions03:21 Use cases: HISD, wraparound services, and student voice04:53 Moderation & controls: keeping engagement constructive06:44 From journalism to K-12: avoiding scandals with proactive comms09:23 What’s different about OurCo: engagement loop + live dashboards12:36 Competing for families: branding, outreach, and community consensus14:56 Trust & privacy: data ownership, options for anonymous input19:26 Getting started: customization, pricing value, and broader use casesConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Special ThanksTo Jonathan Wachtel and the OurCo team for helping education leaders listen first, decide wisely, and build durable community trust.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.

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes David Sturtz, K12 Program Director at Woolpert. With a career spanning classroom teaching, educational services, and large-scale capital planning, David brings a rare perspective: he’s seen firsthand what students need one-on-one, and how district-level decisions can either expand or limit those opportunities.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 LearnHow David’s unusual path from tutoring and missionary teaching led to K12 facilities planningThe demographic and economic forces driving school consolidation nationwideWhy predictable quality—not flashy programs—is the key to community trustHow districts can avoid common pitfalls when tackling consolidation and bond programsCase studies from Texas, North Dakota, and beyond that highlight innovative facility solutionsThe difference between equity as a buzzword and equity as a measurable, actionable planWhy community engagement must go beyond “fear management” to true co-creationHow to choose the right partner for strategic facility planning—and avoid costly misstepsEpisode Timestamps02:16 Assess, Plan, Design, Build: Woolpert’s Full Lifecycle Approach03:30 From Tutoring Startup to Facilities Planning07:16 The National Challenge of Declining Enrollment11:49 The Biggest Mistakes Districts Make in Consolidation13:53 Predictable Quality Over Flashy Programs17:14 Equity in Practice: Lessons from Arlington ISD21:06 Why Shared Career Tech Centers Beat “Mini Programs”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 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 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.

In the premiere episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Navy Counselor First Class Petty Officer Brenda Robinson—a dynamic leader, first-generation service member, and career recruiter. From a spontaneous visit to a Navy office during high school to managing critical electrical systems aboard an aircraft carrier, Brenda shares her unconventional path into the military. Her story unfolds with humor, heart, and a clear-eyed look at what it takes to thrive in a high-stakes, high-opportunity environment like the U.S. Navy.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 LearnHow Brenda accidentally walked into her Navy career—and never looked backThe 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 beyondThe surprising overlap between shipboard electrical systems and civilian tradesWhy military service can be a springboard to careers in STEM, healthcare, and beyondThe role of women and Latinas in reshaping the face of the armed forcesWhat it’s like to be dual military and how the Navy supports family lifeHow duty stations get assigned (including how to land in sunny San Diego or Japan!)Time Stamps03:31 "Unexpected Challenges of Boot Camp"07:40 Path to E5 Advancement10:18 Rapid Advancement in Navy Ranks14:18 Aircraft Carrier Work Center Specialties17:01 Navy Skills: Versatile Career Paths19:04 Versatile Skills for Employment25:06 "Finding Your Local Navy Recruiter"25:52 Tribute to Armed ForcesConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial ThanksTo Brenda Robinson and all service members for their dedication, service, and continued pursuit of excellence—on and off duty.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.