The Path Forward

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

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Katie Kordel, Superintendent of Lovejoy ISD, to explore all the love and joy thriving within the district. Katie kicks things off by sharing her background, her journey to Lovejoy ISD, and how she’s leveraged innovation to strengthen the district’s culture while tackling funding challenges. Stay tuned until the end to hear how Katie and her cabinet keep things fun and foster strong connections within the district. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!

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

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Katie Kordel, Superintendent of Lovejoy ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:05) Introduction and Sponsor Message 

(01:06 - 02:12) Get to Know Katie Kordel

(02:13 - 04:05) Why Lovejoy?

(04:06 - 05:32) Elevating Success

(05:33 - 07:45) Focus on Culture

(07:46 - 09:02) Interacting with Students

(09:03 - 13:07) Fighting Funding Problems

(13:08 - 14:02) Advice for Superintendents

(14:03 - 15:11) Business Mindset

(15:12 - 17:05) Proud of Lovejoy ISD

(17:06 - 19:32) Keep it Fun

(19:33 - 20:30) Closing

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership, #LovejoyISD, #InnovationInEducation, #SchoolCulture, #SuperintendentSpotlight, #CommunityDrivenSchools, #PublicEducation, #EducationalInnovation, #StudentSuccess, #ThePathForward, #TexasEducation, #FutureOfLearning, #DistrictLeadership, #BuildingCulture, #EducationMatters

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this milestone 100th episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Keeley Boyer, Interim Superintendent of Ector County ISD. From her journey starting as a history teacher in Texarkana to leading one of Texas's most innovative districts, Dr. Boyer shares insights on teacher retention, principal development, and creating sustainable educational systems. Learn about Ector County's groundbreaking Principal Incentive Allotment program and how the district achieved having 44 teachers earning over $100,000 through strategic compensation. Don't miss this compelling discussion about growing talent from within and investing in educational excellence!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. Keeley Boyer, Interim Superintendent, Ector County ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:56) Introduction and Sponsor Message 

(00:57 - 01:21) Guest Introduction 

(01:22 - 02:51) Career Journey and Teaching Background 

(02:52 - 05:43) Oregon Experience and Educational Systems 

(05:44 - 07:29) Transition to Texas and Exeter County 

(07:30 - 09:50) Becoming Interim Superintendent 

(09:51 - 11:47) Community Engagement and Current Challenges 

(11:48 - 13:08) Teacher Recruitment Strategies 

(13:09 - 15:19) Principal Incentive Allotment Program 

(15:20 - 16:48) Personal Life and Hobbies 

(16:49 - 17:38) Community Events and School Spirit 

(17:39 - 19:20) Future Vision and Closing

#EducationalLeadership #TeacherCompensation #PrincipalLeadership #TeacherRetention #StrategicGrowth #ECISD #OpportunityCulture #TeacherIncentive #PrincipalDevelopment #TexasEducation #SchoolLeadership #GrowYourOwn #Episode100

Welcome back to The Path Forward! Tune in for an insightful conversation as Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Chris Chappotin to discuss educational leadership, mentorship, and transparency in decision-making. From his early career journey to balancing personal and professional life, Chris shares valuable insights on building momentum, teamwork, and leading through challenges like the pandemic.

Host(s): Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. Chris Chappotin

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:22) Introduction

(00:23 - 04:33) Career Path and Early Beginnings

(04:34 - 07:10) Faith and Service in Education

(07:11 - 09:02) Balancing Family and Career

(09:03 - 11:32) First Impressions and Community Engagement

(11:33 - 18:12) Mentorship and Leadership Development

(18:13 - 20:30) Balancing Personal and Professional Life

(20:31 - 22:42) Pouring into Others and Leadership Legacy

(22:43 - 27:46) Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Superintendent Roberta Trevino of Zapata County ISD, Texas joins the conversation. With a significant portion of the county living in deep poverty, Superintendent Trevino discusses her plans to address the challenges faced by the community, especially the youth. 

She shares her passion for breaking the cycle of poverty and the personal significance of leading the district she grew up in. The discussion talks about the challenges of building effective teaching staff leadership and the importance of finding the right team to drive success. 

Superintendent Trevino also highlights the value of careful restructuring and maximizing the team to better serve the students. By focusing on empowering tomorrow's leaders, the district's key goal this year is improving literacy, starting from pre-K. Every child needs a supportive adult on campus, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship in student success. 

Explore the inspiring work happening in Zapata County under the leadership of Dr. Roberta Trevino! Don't miss out on this insightful episode!

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 00:23) Introduction

(00:24 - 03:26) Dr Roberta’s Background

(03:27 - 08:13) Personal connection to the district 

(08:14 - 09:43) Leading the leadership team 

(09:44 - 14:05) Empowering students and advisory group 

(14:06 - 18:28) Literacy and student connections

(18:29 - 18:55) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Joe Sanfilippo, former superintendent and leadership expert. They explore the importance of transparency and vulnerability in leadership. Dr. Sanfilippo shares insights from his extensive experience in education, discussing how the pandemic revealed strengths and weaknesses in leadership and how building momentum through transparency can help leaders gain trust. Tune in for a valuable conversation about leadership, vulnerability, and finding balance in the education sector.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership in education.

Host(s): Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Dr. Joe Sanfilippo

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:40) Introduction 

(03:31 - 08:00) Transitioning to Leadership Coaching

(08:01 - 14:00) Life After Superintendency & Leadership Burnout

(14:01 - 22:00) Leadership During the Pandemic & Transparency

(22:01 - 30:00) Building Momentum & Delegating Leadership

(30:01 - 39:00) Leadership Evolution & Teamwork

(39:01 - 41:00) Outro

Welcome to this episode, where we look at Hutto ISD’s journey as it works toward becoming a leading district in Central Texas. Superintendent Jenny Neatherlin shares updates on the district’s steady growth and the strong community support that has helped maintain high standards. As Hutto ISD expands, the board is preparing for a new superintendent and the opening of a second high school, with a focus on developing staff to meet future needs. Board member Terrence Johnson highlights the board’s commitment to prioritizing students.

Tune in to learn about the vision guiding Hutto ISD as it moves toward a promising future.

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 00:22) Intro

(00:23 - 04:49) Vision for Hutto ISD’s Future

(04:49 - 05:29) Community and Service Standards

(05:29 - 10:26) Growth and Staff Expansion

(10:26 - 11:09) Getting to Know New Superintendent

(11:09 - 15:11) Plans for Second High School

(15:12 - 18:44) Community Engagement by School Board

(18:44 - 20:21) Focus on Students

(20:06 - 20:35) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by David Ritchey, where they discuss the powerful influence school boards have on the education system, from shaping policies to supporting student success. David shares his authentic leadership approach, reflecting on his past experience as a high school principal and his journey to becoming a superintendent. They also explore the importance of community engagement, drawing inspiration from Lamesa ISD's social media success, and the role of mentorship in guiding others to success. 

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership in education.

Host(s): Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: David Ritchey

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:45) Introduction

(00:46 - 02:00) School Board Impact

(02:01 - 04:10) Leadership and Personal Approach

(04:11 - 06:30) Experience in Education

(06:31 - 09:00) Community and Public Engagement

(09:01 - 11:30) Coaching and Mentorship

(11:31 - 13:30) Collaborative Efforts in Education

(13:31 - 15:20) Future Plans and Closing Remarks

(15:31 - 16:08) Outro