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, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

  1. Building Real Pathways for Every Student Beyond High School With Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman

    1D AGO

    Building Real Pathways for Every Student Beyond High School With Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman

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

    40 min
  2. Building Focused School Systems That Actually Drive Results With Dr. Terry Grier

    2D AGO

    Building Focused School Systems That Actually Drive Results With Dr. Terry Grier

    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 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.

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

    MAR 25

    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 Learn Dr. 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 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-groupSpecial 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.

    41 min
  4. Building Impactful Edtech: Ryan Patenaude’s Journey From FEV Tutor to RP Impact Partners

    MAR 18

    Building Impactful Edtech: Ryan Patenaude’s Journey From FEV Tutor to RP Impact Partners

    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 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-groupSpecial 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.

    46 min
  5. Navigating Enrollment, Choice, and Facilities Strategy With Susan Miller

    MAR 13

    Navigating Enrollment, Choice, and Facilities Strategy With Susan Miller

    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 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-groupSpecial 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.

    42 min
  6. Building Stronger Teams in Education That Actually Work With Miranda F. Walichowski

    MAR 4

    Building Stronger Teams in Education That Actually Work With Miranda F. Walichowski

    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 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-groupSpecial 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.

    43 min
  7. Common Sense Leadership in Public Education with Matt Schiel

    FEB 2

    Common Sense Leadership in Public Education with Matt Schiel

    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 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-groupSpecial 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.

    43 min
  8. Building Coherent Education Systems and Embracing AI Change with Elizabeth Norton

    JAN 22

    Building Coherent Education Systems and Embracing AI Change with Elizabeth Norton

    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 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 engagedEpisode 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-groupSpecial 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.

    49 min
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About

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, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rick Fernandez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Rick Fernandez