Solve for X

Dr. Rick Fernandez

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EDUCATION

Solve for X is the podcast where district leaders and EdTech innovators come together to tackle the real challenges in K–12 education. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez of PowerSchool, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

11/08/2025

Funding, Accountability, and School Choice: Max Rombado on Texas Education Policy

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 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 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.

24 min
11/01/2025

Leading Through Change: Russ Johnson on School Safety, Leadership, and Superintendent Well-Being

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 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 leadershipEpisode 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 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 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 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.

24 min
10/25/2025

Community First, Data Fast: Jonathan Wachtel on OurCo and Real-Time Engagement

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 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 quicklyEpisode Timestamps 00:00 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 cases Connect 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.

30 min
10/11/2025

Equity in Practice: David Sturtz on Rethinking K12 Facilities

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 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-groupSpecial 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.

40 min
08/09/2025

Wired for Leadership: Brenda Robinson’s Navy Journey

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 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.

27 min

5 Episodes

Solve for X is the podcast where district leaders and EdTech innovators come together to tackle the real challenges in K–12 education. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez of PowerSchool, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

Creator

Dr. Rick Fernandez
Years Active

2K
Episodes

5
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Dr. Rick Fernandez