The Path Forward

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD. Today's conversation dives deep into Dr. Ramsey's journey that led her to Fort Worth ISD. She shares different cultures and experiences she has dealt with over the years and how they built her into the leader she is today. She also discusses the...

Welcome back to the Path Forward! In this episode, we sit down with key members of the Falcon Career and Technology Department at Channelview ISD to discuss their vision for the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and how it’s shaping student success. Host Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Mia Young, Director of CTE, Marcus Ebow, Assistant Principal over CTE, Erin Bowman, CTE Coordinator,...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we’re launching an exciting new series at Channelview High School called Change = Opportunity, Passion Meets Curriculum, Tech in Schools, Changing with Channelview, and Brighter Future with Channelview ISD. In this first episode, our host Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by students from Channelview High School’s CTE program, including those from marketing, bus...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today’s episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Robert Alfaro, author of Baloney, Baloney, Baloney. Robert’s book chronicles his remarkable journey from a small town in West Texas to becoming a successful educator. He shares not only some of the powerful stories featured in his book, but also provides a deeper look into the challenges, triumphs, and emotiona...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Kendra McQuilton, CEO of Energia. Together, they explore how Energia is empowering school districts to optimize their energy use, freeing up valuable resources for what truly matters: the students. Kendra offers a behind-the-scenes look at the process districts undergo when partnering with Energia, along wi...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Brochu, Founder/CEO of PracticePlan. John digs into PracticePlan and how it can help districts gain extra revenue from those idle courts, fields, and gymnasiums that school districts already have. John shares the effectiveness of PracticePlan through a few successful stories and why he is doing the work he is today. You...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora. In this episode, we have a live audience as we dive deep into Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s recent experience of winning Superintendent of the Year, the reasons behind her career, and what she has planned next. Dr. Salazar-Zamora is the first woman in Texas to win Superintendent of the Year and wants to enco...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Edgewood ISD Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Hernandez. The conversation starts with some history on Edgewood ISD and how our guest began his tenure as superintendent, then moves on to current issues, his leadership style, and his support for women teachers and community leaders. If you’re trying to become a better leader, this is...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Rick talks with Jeff Pelzel, Director of Education Strategy at PowerSchool, about the power of leadership, innovation, and AI. The conversation starts with some background on Jeff and his time in California. Jeff explains the differences in the education system between California and Texas, and his transition to PowerSchool and the new exciting ways they ar...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter. Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Herbert O’Neil, Superintendent of Hempstead ISD. Herbert shares with us how Hempstead is a place for the community to grow and the vision he and the rest of the school district are using to guide students. He shares plans and implementations for Hempstead ISD. Rick...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Carnelius D. Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD. Together, they put Tracy Spinner, Senior Account Executive at Daybreak Health, on the hot seat. Tracy dives into mental health's role in attendance, academic performance, and more. She shares how Daybre...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter. Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Bryan Taulton, Superintendent at Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, and Craig Starcher, Principal Consultant at Frontline Advisory Group. They both share their experiences of relevant issues with bond acquisition and processes essential to acquiring a bond. Craig shares how...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode recorded at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where John Vaglienty, Deputy Superintendent of Willis ISD, joins Dr. Rick Fernandez. Together, they put James Stoffer the CEO of Abre, on the hot seat. James shares the pathway that Abre took to become a successful data-driven business and how they are helping school districts along the same path to...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Path Forward! Today, we bring you a special edition filmed at TASA 2024 Midwinter, featuring the dynamic conversation between Dr. Rick Fernandez and Devin Padavil, the accomplished superintendent of Georgetown ISD. In this captivating and enlightening episode, Devin candidly shares insights into his distinctive leadership style and unwavering commitment t...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Michael Cardona, Superintendent of San Marcos CISD. Together, they put John Brochu, Founder/CEO of PracticePlan, on the hot seat. Hear how PracticePlan is helping school districts utilize their facilities by renting out on their one-of-a-kind platform. In this e...

Welcome to The Path Forward podcast! Join our host, Dr. Rick Fernandez, as he engages in a dynamic conversation with Celina Shands, the visionary CEO of Full Capacity Marketing. Through insightful anecdotes, Celina delves into her journey of launching three distinct enterprises and her athletic background. As she articulates her mission and fervor for Full Capacity Marketing, Celina also sheds lig...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent at Buna ISD. In this episode, Dr. Rick and Dr. Spicer cover how Buna ISD is taking care of students, creating more opportunities, and how they are actively listening to the needs and wants of the school. They also cover leading...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have another special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter, where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Vaglienty, Deputy Superintendent at Willis ISD, and Russ Johnson, CEO of TrueNorthCG. John and Russ come on the show to share some great insights about the current surveillance technology industry and how they provide school districts with solutions. Russ...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have Dr. Rick Fernandez, joined by Tom Ellsworth, The Biz Doc. Tom, an entrepreneur and mentor, shares valuable insights about the learning curve of failure and its effects on young entrepreneurs. He shares with us the power of not coddling students and letting them fail so they can gain experience. He also discusses the future of STEM careers and findin...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Darryl J. Henson, Superintendent of Marlin ISD where they put Anna Reger, Founder of FlipLok, on the hot seat. Hear all about Anna’s new fortifying product that allows both children and teachers to make their classroom a safe room in the case of an emergency with...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Tory Hill, Superintendent of Channelview ISD. These two educational powerhouses discuss Dr. Tory’s past success in building a mega CTE program in Sweeny ISD and his work in Channelview ISD, such as building a Literacy Bus. You won’t want to miss out on Dr. Tory’s...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today we have a special episode shot at TASA 2024 Midwinter where Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Wade Stanford, Superintendent of Westwood ISD where they put Claudia Salinas, VP of English Learning at Curriculum Associates on the hot seat. Hear how Curriculum Associates uses its i-Ready program to help students develop in their education and set goals that will a...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez engages in a captivating conversation with Chip Baker, the author of "The Impact of Influence." In this episode, Chip and Rick delve into the crucial aspect of connecting with the students you educate. Chip gives some valuable advice for parents and young adults exploring various career paths. Tune in as...

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by John Jakubisin, host of B is for Business. In this episode dive into John’s past and how he developed his podcast. Also, hear the wisdom that John has gained from his guests and a few commonalities between the entrepreneurs that he has come in contact with. You won’t want to miss out on this great episode. Enjoy the show! Che...

Welcome back to The Path Forward at the TASA/TASB TexED Conference! Today, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Chris Corso , Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Joeris. Join these two as they discuss the different opportunities that come from general contracting and a little bit of the history of how Joeris has gotten to where it is today and where it is going. You won’t want to miss out on th...