Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by Dr. Garth Larson, Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources, for a compelling conversation about transforming professional development and adult learning in education.

Dr. Larson shares his journey from educator to entrepreneur, what today’s schools need most, and why clarity, coherence, and coaching—not just compliance—are key to sustainable growth. From building trust with teams to designing learning that meets adults where they are, this episode is packed with actionable insights for education leaders looking to strengthen their systems, support their staff, and drive long-term impact.

Tune in to hear how mentorship, thoughtful leadership, and a focus on solving real problems can reframe how schools operate and thrive.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Garth Larson, Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources  

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 01:17) Introduction

(01:18 - 05:03) Getting to Know Dr. Larson

(05:04 - 09:09) Leaping into Entrepreneurship

(09:10 - 13:17) What Schools in the Country Need

(13:18 - 16:17) Clarity and Coherence in Workflow

(16:18 - 20:20) Learning How Adults Learn

(20:21 - 27:01) Mistakes and Best Practices

(27:02 - 33:19) Knowing when Teams are All In

(33:20 - 35:34) The Need for Mentorship

(35:35 - 37:28) Get in Touch

(37:29 - 37:54) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with School Safety and Security Professional, Micheal Garcia, for a powerful discussion.

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

[00:00 - 2:05]: Intro 

[2:06 - 6:45]: “Partner Alliance for Safer Schools” 

[6:46 - 9:50]: What brought Micheal Garcia to security 

[9:51 - 14:00]: Proactive vs. Reactive 

[14:01 - 16:15]: The importance of operations in security

[16:16 - 21:38]: The formula for risk

[21:39 - 25:00]: The discussion of risk in schools 

[25:01 - 28:24]: The first best step 

[28:25 - 30:25]: How to contact Micheal Garcia 

[30:26 - 31:36]: Outro 

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by David Ritchey, Superintendent of Lamesa ISD. David dives into how he plans to utilize innovation in order to increase community involvement in the Lamesa area, and offers unique ideas on how to achieve that. 

Throughout this episode, Rick and David bounce ideas back and forth with each other on thinking outside of the box to engage more students, and help them build their own path. They explore different ways that students can succeed, stepping outside of the traditional college track. David explains how the future of the expectations of education are shifting and evolving, and the precautionary steps he’s taking to make sure his district can keep up with those shifts to maintain success with his students.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: David Ritchey (Superintendent of Lamesa ISD)

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 1:25) Introduction

(1:26 - 1:57) Lamesa current standing

(1:58 - 4:01) CTE and where the needs are

(4:02 - 5:45) Possibilities for life as an adult in this economy

(5:46 - 6:25) Getting the community involved in CTE programs

(6:26 - 8:13) Finding your path

(8:14 - 9:09) Other schools in Lamesa

(9:10 - 10:04) Offerings/Listening to the kids

(10:05 - 12:53) New ideas for CTE programs

(12:54 - 13:47) Making the system self-sufficient

(13:48 - 14:44) Disconnect between school district and community

(14:45 - 17:49) Increasing sports with education

(17:50 - 19:23) Utilizing data for innovation in the school district

(19:24 - 20:46) Using coaching and game play as a tool for teaching

(20:47 - 21:36) Getting in the way of your own growth

(21:37 - 24:18) How to keep your administrators up to date

(24:19 - 27:42) Being a great leader

(27:43 - 29:34) The growth path to being a great leader

(29:35 - 30:49) The future of achievements for Lamesa ISD

(30:50 - 32:07) Conclusion

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Dr. Carnelius Gilder, Superintendent of West Sabine ISD for a powerful discussion on how to navigate determining when to start a new project, and how important leadership is in every aspect of a school district.

Dr.Gilder shares how a good leadership trusts their employees to carry out plans and ideas without a step by step playbook. The conversation dives into the vital role essential employees such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers play in a school district.   

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on transforming education from theory to action—and giving students the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

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

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

[00:00 - 1:44 ]: Introduction

[1:45 - 2:55]: Updates on West Sabine 

[2:56 - 5:21]: How to balance judging when to do something new

[5:22 - 7:40]: Discussing tacit Knowledge 

[7:41 - 11:51]: Building leadership skills 

[11:52 - 13:50]: The value of employees 

[13:51 - 15:40]: New years resolution

[15:41 - 18:22]: Dissecting tiredness 

[18:23 - 20:44]: Leadership 

[20:45 - 23:35]: On the horizon

[23:36 - 24:16]: Becoming a hub

[24:17 - 26:30]: West Sabine ISD will be what in 2025

[26:31 - 27:04]: Outro

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Dr. Bobbie Trevino, Superintendent for Zapata County ISD for a powerful discussion on how to navigate politics within the world of superintendency and how important leadership is when it comes to leading a board.

Dr. Trevino shares how important it is to be vocal about issues and advocate for the best possible outcome. The conversation dives into building board relationships, the importance of participating in local elections, managing district finances and much more.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on transforming education from theory to action—and giving students the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Superintendent Dr. Bobbie Trevino 

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

[00:00 - 2:32]: Introduction

[2:33 - 3:30]: New year's resolutions 

[3:31 - 12:07]: Navigating politics and leadership 

[12:08 - 13:02]: Discussing Parent Engagement Summit 

[13:03 - 16:07]: Go-to method for building board relations 

[16:08 - 18:20]: Managing district finances 

[18:21 - 20:46]: How can district leaders leverage assets 

[20:47 - 24:18]: Civil rights issues 

[24:19 - 28:10]: Brainstorming potential workforce innovation event 

[28:11 - 28:50]: In 2025 Zapada County will be what?

[28:51 - 29:36]: Outro 

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez sits down with Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of College and Career Pathways at the Maryland State Department of Education, for a powerful discussion on how Career and Technical Education (CTE) is reshaping the future of student success.

Richard shares how CTE bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world application—helping students not just grasp core subjects like algebra, but use them to solve community-centered problems. He unpacks how early career exploration can help students build career identity, eliminate guesswork, and even uncover what they don’t want to do. The conversation dives into innovative CTE models, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the role of internships and AI in equipping students for meaningful futures.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on transforming education from theory to action—and giving students the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Richard Kincaid, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of College and Career Pathways, Maryland State Department of Education

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 01:19) Introduction

(01:20 - 06:06) Richard’s Background

(06:07 - 09:10) How CTE Can be Applied

(09:11 - 13:35) Is the Norm the Necessary?

(13:36 - 21:24) Overcoming the Barriers Between Education and Career 

(21:25 - 27:08) Developing Career Identity

(27:09 - 33:56) Career Innovations for Students

(33:57 - 38:31) Finding Out the “Don’t” Likes

(38:32 - 45:50) Students in Business

(45:51 - 47:23) Integrating Internships in Schools

(47:24 - 50:34) The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

(50:35 - 51:49) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez is joined by Chris Steinbruck, Superintendent of Flour Bluff ISD, to talk about his unique journey from athletic director to district leader. Chris shares how his background in athletics helped shape his leadership style and how those same principles—resilience, teamwork, and discipline—continue to guide his work today.

From navigating the shift into superintendency to having hard conversations with compassion, Chris opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leading with heart. He also reflects on the deep connection his family has formed with the Flour Bluff community, the lessons learned through extracurricular programs, and why prioritizing student development—both in and out of the classroom—is key to long-term success.

Don’t miss this thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of Texas’ newest superintendents as he shares what it means to evolve into a new kind of leader.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Chris Steinbruck, Superintendent of Flour Bluff ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 01:26) Introduction

(01:27 - 05:10) Transitioning from Athletic Director to Superintendent

(05:11 - 07:22) Staying Focused on Priorities

(07:23 - 09:17) Sharing the News with Family

(09:18 - 12:03) Evolving to a New Chapter

(12:04 - 15:46) Tough Conversations with Love

(15:47 - 18:35) Becoming a New Kind of Leader

(18:36 - 20:06) Advice for Transitioning to Leadership

(20:07 - 22:15) What Chris Loves Most About Flour Bluff

(22:16 - 22:42) Closing

#FlourBluffISD, #EducationalLeadership, #OrganizationalChange, #StudentSuccess, #GenerationalWealth, #TeacherSupport, #GrowthStrategies, #CommunityImpact, #SuperintendentJourney, #EducationalReform, #LeadershipDevelopment, #MulticulturalEducation, #SchoolImprovement, #ChangingLives

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode recorded at TASA Midwinter 2025 Dr. Rick Fernandez reconnects with returning guest Dr. Tory Hill, Superintendent of Channelview ISD. Dr. Hill shares groundbreaking innovations for special education students, including a custom-designed tiny home "Living Learning Lab" and a workforce partnership with the Houston Food Bank. Learn how Channelview ISD creates an educational ecosystem where truly all students are empowered to thrive through innovative thinking, strategic partnerships, and a leadership philosophy that prioritizes student voice. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about breaking barriers and creating meaningful pathways to independence for every student!

To learn more about PracticePlan visit their website at www.practiceplan.io

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. Tory Hill, Superintendent, Channelview ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:40) Introduction and Sponsor Message from Practice Plan 

(00:41 - 01:30) Guest Introduction: "Innovator Extraordinaire" 

(01:31 - 03:29) The Living Learning Lab: Tiny Home for Special Education Students 

(03:30 - 05:19) Genesis of the Tiny Home Project 

(05:20 - 06:49) "Innovative Bubbles": Creating Safe Spaces for Risk-Taking 

(06:50 - 08:49) Parent Reactions to the Special Education Innovations 

(08:50 - 10:49) Houston Food Bank Partnership for Work-Based Learning 

(10:50 - 12:19) Leadership Philosophy: "Hire Well and Get Out of the Way" 

(12:20 - 14:19) Student Voice and Meeting Individual Needs 

(14:20 - 15:39) Innovation as a Necessity in Today's Educational Landscape 

(15:40 - 17:39) Advice for New Superintendents: Know Yourself First 

(17:40 - 19:39) Channelview Students and Workforce Development 

(19:40 - 21:00) Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration

Hashtags: #ChannelviewISD #EducationalInnovation #SpecialEducation #IndependentLiving #WorkforceDevelopment #StudentVoice #SuperintendentLeadership #InnovativeBubbles #SpecialServices #WorkBasedLearning #AllMeansAll #StudentSuccess #EducationalPartnership #TexasEducation #ThePathForward

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angela Dominguez, Superintendent of Donna ISD, to discuss how the district is pioneering new educational models to better prepare students for the future. From the launch of Fine Arts, Science, and Sports Academies to plans for a World Languages Academy, Dr. Dominguez shares how Donna ISD is aligning education with industry needs, fostering innovation, and engaging the community. 

Learn how the district is tackling staff development, parent concerns, and enrollment growth while ensuring students graduate ready for college, careers, or the military. Don't miss this insightful conversation on building credibility, balancing innovation with caution, and transforming public education for long-term success!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. Angela Dominguez, Superintendent, Donna ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

[00:00 - 00:52] Introduction

[00:52 - 01:50] Donna ISD's innovation & models

[01:50 - 03:37] Fine Arts Academy details

[03:37 - 04:32] Science & Sports Academy

[04:32 - 06:29] Origin of academy idea

[06:29 - 08:02] Challenges & excitement ahead

[08:02 - 08:49] Parent concerns addressed

[08:49 - 09:05] Enrollment & family attraction

[09:05 - 10:29] Staff engagement & onboarding

[10:29 - 11:05] Innovation in public education

[11:05 - 11:51] World Languages Academy plans

[11:51 - 13:58] Leadership training & marketing

[13:58 - 16:21] Industry & community partnerships

[16:21 - 18:25] Schools & business alignment

[18:25 - 19:37] Credibility & phased innovation

[19:37 - 20:46] Balancing excitement & caution

[20:46 - 21:51] Transparency & planning change

[21:51 - 24:35] Superintendent leadership praise

[24:36 - 25:18] Conclusion

Hashtags:

#EducationalLeadership #TeacherCompensation #PrincipalLeadership #TeacherRetention #StrategicGrowth #ECISD #OpportunityCulture #TeacherIncentive #PrincipalDevelopment #TexasEducation #SchoolLeadership #GrowYourOwn #Episode103

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. John Moore, Superintendent of Galena Park ISD - Rick's home district and alma mater. Dr. Moore shares how the district maintains its "small town within a big city" feel while achieving remarkable success in academics, athletics, and fine arts. Learn about Galena Park's recently passed half-billion dollar bond, their impressive "grow your own" pipeline with 25% of teachers being former students, and how they're preparing students for diverse career paths. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation about building success in a working-class community and the pride of seeing graduates become doctors, attorneys, engineers, and business owners!

To learn more about PracticePlan visit their website at www.practiceplan.io

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. John Moore, Superintendent, Galena Park ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:30) Introduction and Sponsor Message

(01:31 - 03:29) Small Town Feel Within a Big City 

(03:30 - 05:19) North Shore Athletics and Community Pride 

(05:20 - 06:49) Dr. Moore's 35-Year Career Journey 

(06:50 - 08:49) Academic and Fine Arts Excellence Beyond Athletics 

(08:50 - 10:49) Graduate Success Stories and Working-Class Pride 

(10:50 - 12:19) Competing Academically with Top Districts 

(12:20 - 14:19) $500 Million Bond and Facility Improvements 

(14:20 - 15:39) CTE Programs and Workforce Opportunities 

(15:40 - 17:39) Stable School Board Leadership 

(17:40 - 19:39) "Grow Your Own" Success with Former Students as Staff 

(19:40 - 21:19) Memorable Football Championship Moments 

(21:20 - 23:00) Closing Thoughts and Mustang Pride

Hashtags: 

#GalenaParkISD #HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs #CommunitySchools #GrowYourOwn #NorthShoreHS #SchoolBonds #CTEPrograms #WorkingClassSuccess #SmallTownBigCitySchools #AlumniSuccess #TexasEducation #DistrictPride #SuperintendentSpotlight #EducationalLeadership #ThePathForward