PowerSchool Powercast

In today’s episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez and Ryan Imbriale sit down with Dr. Sheryl Abshire, former Chief Technology Officer for Calcasieu Parish School Board and long-time edtech advocate, to explore the evolving role of technology in K–12 education.

Together, they dive into the promises and pitfalls of integrating modern tools, especially AI, into classrooms. From future-proofing today’s students to empowering educators with the right tools, Dr. Abshire shares reflections from decades of experience in school systems across the country. She challenges listeners to view technology not as a gadget or trend, but as a transformative force for equity, engagement, and student-centered learning.

Tune in for a timely conversation about innovation, professional development, and what it truly means to prepare students for the world they’re entering, not the one we grew up in.

Find Sheryl’s book “The Savvy EdTech Leader” on Amazon or the ISTE Bookstore

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Connect with Dr. Sheryl Abshire on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylabshire/ 

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez & Ryan Imbriale

Guests: Dr. Sheryl Abshire (Former Calcasieu Parish School Board CTO)

Welcome to another episode of Powercast! In this conversation, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Jesse Roy, Director of Education Strategy at PowerSchool, and Helen Westmoreland, Director of Family Engagement at National PTA, to discuss what authentic, modern family engagement really looks like in today’s schools.

Together, they unpack the challenges school districts face in building meaningful relationships with families—particularly when time, language, and access are barriers. From the importance of meeting families where they are to the advocacy role of the PTA in defending public education, Jesse and Helen offer insights from both the edtech and nonprofit worlds. The discussion also highlights how technology can support—not replace—human connection, and why listening to families must be a foundational part of school strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode about trust, accessibility, and the evolving role of family-school partnerships in student success.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guests: Jesse Roy, Director of Education Strategy at Powerschool

Helen Westmoreland, Director of Family Engagement at National PTA

Welcome to another episode of Powercast! Today, we’re sitting down with Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN (Consortium for School Networking), for an essential conversation about the critical challenges and victories shaping K-12 technology today.

In this episode, Keith breaks down the monumental Supreme Court decision that preserved E-Rate funding—a $9 billion program that's been the backbone of school technology infrastructure for nearly 30 years. He explains why this 6-3 ruling was crucial for maintaining connectivity in schools and libraries nationwide, and what it means for the future of educational technology funding. Keith also reveals the stark reality of cybersecurity in schools: K-12 districts are the No. 1 target for ransomware attacks, yet only one in three districts has even a single full-time security professional. He shares why schools have become "soft targets" for cybercriminals and discusses the alarming funding cuts to federal cybersecurity support programs that happened overnight in March.

Tune in to hear from one of education technology's most experienced voices on how districts can protect themselves, leverage new technologies responsibly, and build sustainable systems for the future.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Ryan Imbriale

Guest: Keith Krueger, CEO of Cosortium for School Networking (CoSN)

Welcome to another episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Markarian, Superintendent of Hawthorne Unified School District, for a compelling discussion on leadership, innovation, and staying true to your core values.

With years of experience in the same district, Dr. Markarian shares what it takes to lead with longevity—emphasizing the importance of intentionality, organizational clarity, and authentic relationships. He offers insight into how his district is exploring artificial intelligence and using integrated data systems to uncover new ways of supporting students holistically. From the power of clear communication in leadership to lessons learned from personal challenges, this conversation highlights the mindset and systems that fuel sustainable success.

Tune in to hear how Dr. Markarian is guiding his district forward with a blend of humility, strategy, and purpose-driven leadership.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Jeff Pelzel 

Guest: Dr. Brian Markarian, Superintendent of Hawthorne Unified School District

Welcome to the latest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we explore innovative leadership in the Tomball Independent School District! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez and co-host Jeff Pelzel sit down with Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora to discuss critical K-12 topics, including a deep dive into the advantages of using AI in school districts when it comes to strategic planning and solving problems. Dr. Salazar-Zamora also shares thoughts about her various awards and how her journey towards superintendency has shaped her leadership approach. With a forward-thinking and diverse mindset, Superintendent Dr. Salazar-Zamora is dedicated to keeping the Tomball ISD School District at the forefront of educational excellence—ensuring that students and educators alike have the tools and support they need to thrive. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of education!

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/    

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez and Jeff Pelzel

Guest: Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora

Welcome to the newest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we talk about the exciting intersection of technology and education! In this episode hosts Dr. Rick Fernandez and Jeff Pelzel sit down with Dr. Carnelius Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD. They talk about the exciting new initiatives happening in West Sabine ISD, and how Dr. Gilder is transforming his small rural district into what he calls a "thriving rural plex."

This episode showcases how visionary leadership can overcome resource limitations through partnerships, innovation, and a "no barriers" mindset. Stay tuned for the entire episode to hear how Dr. Gilder is uplifting the entire community through his transformational leadership. Don’t forget to like and comment for more! 

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/    

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Jeff Pelzel

Guest: Dr. Carnelius Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD

Welcome to the latest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we explore innovative leadership in the Bettendorf Community School District! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez and co-host Jeff Pelzel sit down with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse to discuss critical topics, including managing school districts during COVID-19 and leveraging AI to support staff. Dr. Morse also shares how her background as a speech pathologist and special education teacher has shaped her leadership approach. With a forward-thinking mindset, Superintendent Dr. Morse is dedicated to keeping the Bettendorf Community School District at the forefront of educational excellence—ensuring that students and educators alike have the tools and support they need to thrive. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of education!

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/    

Welcome to the newest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we talk about the innovative leadership in Raytown Quality Schools! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Superintendent Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox to discuss everything from AI in schools to business relationships with school districts. Dr. Knox shares how her journey to superintendency shapes her connection with the students and how she leads. With a forward-thinking approach, Superintendent Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox is committed to ensuring that Raytown Quality Schools remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/    

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox

Welcome to another episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight! In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, Superintendent of Del Valle ISD, to explore his powerful leadership journey and the innovative work happening across his district.

Dr. Gutierrez opens up about his unique path to the superintendency and the bold, student-centered decisions that are reshaping opportunities in Del Valle. From expanding career and technical education to pushing for systemic change that better serves emergent bilingual students and communities facing high poverty, Dr. Gutierrez shares how urgency and advocacy drive every decision. He also unpacks what it means to lead with vision in today’s fast-evolving education landscape, stressing the need to stay nimble, responsive, and unapologetically committed to student success.

Don’t miss this insightful episode as Dr. Gutierrez outlines how equity, access, and high expectations are creating pathways to possibility for over 12,000 students in Central Texas. Tune in and be inspired!

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Jeff Pelzel 

Guest: Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, Superintendent of Del Valle ISD

Welcome to the newest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we talk about the exciting intersection of technology and education! In this episode recorded at the AASA conference in New Orleans, hosts Dr. Rick Fernandez and Jeff Pelzel sit down with Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District in Arkansas.

Dr. Owoh shares his fascinating journey from high school English teacher to superintendent, including his unique experience helping build a brand-new school district from the ground up. Having worked at multiple levels of education—from classroom to state department—Dr. Owoh offers valuable insights on how these diverse experiences inform his leadership approach and help him better serve his community.

The conversation explores Jacksonville North Pulaski's impressive initiatives, including the community-based "Jacksonville Reads Project," comprehensive career academies preparing students for multiple post-graduation pathways, and their approach to implementing AI in education. Dr. Owoh also discusses how his district has completed construction of seven new school buildings in less than six years, and their strategies for recruiting and retaining quality staff in a competitive region.

Whether you're interested in educational leadership, community engagement, or preparing students for future opportunities, this episode provides practical insights on creating a student-centered district where every child knows about—and is prepared for—the opportunities awaiting them.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Jeff Pelzel 

Guest: Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District