The Path Forward

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez chats with Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Temple ISD, about what it takes to lead a district and build strong community connections. Dr. Ott shares how he found his ideal role at Temple ISD, a district with 8,800 students from a wide range of backgrounds.

They dive into Temple ISD’s focus on career pathways and the importance of connecting schools with local industries to prepare students for real-world success. Dr. Ott also gives practical advice for future superintendents, stressing the importance of leadership that goes beyond titles.

Tune in for Dr. Ott’s insights on education, community, and a few lighter moments along the way! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Temple ISD  

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(0:00 - 01:03) Introduction

(01:04 - 04:05) Dr. Bobby Ott & Temple ISD

(04:06 - 08:43) CTE Programs & Workforce Pipeline

(08:44 - 11:40) Consistency in Leadership

(11:41 - 15:56) Advice for Aspiring Superintendents

(15:57 - 16:29) Closing

Welcome back to *The Path Forward*! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of HISD. Dr. Rick begins the conversation by exploring Mr. Miles' career background, his motivations for working in education, and the initiatives underway to improve school districts across Texas. Later, they discuss the “New Education System” in detail. We hope you enjoy this wisdom-filled and inspiring episode of The Path Forward!

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guests: Mike Miles - Superintendent HISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 00:54) Introduction

(00:55 - 04:02) Career Background

(04:03 - 12:48) Leading the Charge on Systemic Change

(12:49 - 23:15) New Education System 

(23:16 - 40:19) Creating Accountability in Districts Across Texas

(40:20 - 45:56) Discussing the Bond

(45:57 - 53:09) Rapid Fire Questions

(53:10 - 54:14) Closing 

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent of Gregory-Portland ISD, and Zack Simmons, Board Member at Gregory-Portland ISD, at the TASA/TASB 2024 Conference. This episode explores the exciting developments happening at Gregory-Portland ISD and the district's future plans. Tune in to hear about the bright futures being built and much more!

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guests: Dr. Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent of Gregory-Portland ISD

Zack Simmons, Board Member at Gregory-Portland ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:00) Introduction

(01:01 - 04:07) State Of The District Experience 

(04:08 - 07:40) Early Childhood Center

(07:41 - 10:28) Training Students for Careers / Soft Skills

(10:29 - 14:48) Where Will GP be in 3 years

(14:49 - 15:10) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today's episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Superintendent of Galveston ISD, to explore what makes his city so special and the strong sense of community within the district. Dr. Neighbors highlights the district’s focus on outdoor education and shares exciting initiatives like acquiring land to preserve for future students. Tune in to discover how Galveston ISD is growing and evolving, with a forward-thinking approach that’s shaping the future of its students.

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Superintendent of Galveston ISD 

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:20 - 02:22) Galveston is a Booming City

(02:23 - 03:10) Journey that led to Galveston ISD

(03:11 - 06:32) Resilience in the Students

(06:33 - 10:25) Value in Outdoor Education

(10:26 - 16:01) More Social, Less Media 

(16:01 - 17:02) Teaching Overall Life Balance

(17:03 - 20:28) Continuous Growth at Galveston ISD

(20:29 - 22:39) Outro

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 organizational changes she implemented in Fort Worth ISD, that have led to amazing growth over the last few years. Stay tuned to learn more about the Superintendent at Fort Worth ISD!

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD  

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:17 - 02:05) Journey and Multiple Experiences as Superintendent 

(02:06 - 03:33) Teacher Unions in California 

(03:34 - 05:48) Building Up Fort Worth ISD 

(05:49 - 07:15) Setting a Strong Foundation

(07:16 - 12:32) Being a Strong Leader 

(12:33 - 15:46) Focusing on Growth 

(15:47 - 19:05) Doing Right by the Students 

(19:06 - 23:20) Serving Future Generations

(23:21 - 24:50) Teachers being Supported 

(24:51 - 25:47) Outro

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 organizational changes she implemented in Fort Worth ISD, that have led to amazing growth over the last few years. Stay tuned to learn more about the Superintendent at Fort Worth ISD!

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD  

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:17 - 02:05) Journey and Multiple Experiences as Superintendent 

(02:06 - 03:33) Teacher Unions in California 

(03:34 - 05:48) Building Up Fort Worth ISD 

(05:49 - 07:15) Setting a Strong Foundation

(07:16 - 12:32) Being a Strong Leader 

(12:33 - 15:46) Focusing on Growth 

(15:47 - 19:05) Doing Right by the Students 

(19:06 - 23:20) Serving Future Generations

(23:21 - 24:50) Teachers being Supported 

(24:51 - 25:47) Outro

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, and Antonio Rios, Work-Based Learning Specialist, to explore the powerful role of mentorship, career guidance, and skill development in preparing students for the workforce.

Our guests share insights into how Channelview ISD is providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and soft skill development through programs like welding and HVAC. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with students and employers, guiding students toward early career pathways, and creating a reliable support system for success. Tune in as we dive into what employers are really looking for and how Channelview ISD is helping students rewrite the narrative of education with CTE as a foundation for a bright future.

Discover how the Falcon CTE team is innovating education and preparing students to thrive in their careers! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guests: Mia Young, Director of Career and Technical Education

Marcus Ebow, Assistant Principal over CTE

Erin Bowman, CTE Coordinator

Antonio Rios, Work Based Learning Specialist

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:05) Introduction

(01:06 - 02:31) Vision Moving Forward

(02:32 - 03:43) Getting Involved as a Mentor

(03:44 - 04:34) Having a Reliable Support System

(04:35 - 05:47) Guiding Students to Success

(05:48 - 07:30) Rewriting the Narrative of Education

(07:31 - 09:15) CTE as a Career Foundation

(09:16 - 10:45) Career Pathway Early Start

(10:46 - 12:12) What Employers Look For

(12:13 - 14:50) Building Relationships with Students and Employers

(14:51 - 18:33) Conveying Career Opportunities to Students

(18:34 - 22:11) Coaching Students for Career

(22:12 - 23:43) The Crowned Jewel of CTE

(23:44 - 24:53) Why Channelview ISD

(24:54 - 25:35) Where to Learn More

(25:36 - 25:59) Closing

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, business, audio-visual, and graphic design, to hear about their unique experiences. They share their reasons for choosing their specialties and the benefits of each pathway. We wrap up with some inspiring words from Dr. Fernandez and insight into why these students love their school. Don’t miss this chance to glimpse the future through the eyes of these remarkable young people!

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Lyrra (Marketing), Kyle (Business), Jocelyn (Audio Visual), Gabriella (Graphic Design)

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:17 - 03:24) Passion Meets Pathway

(03:25 - 08:31) Benefits of Programs

(08:32 - 13:25) Current Student Needs

(13:26 - 16:56) Love for Channelview High School

(16:57 - 18:02) Connect with Channelview CTE

(18:03 - 18:33) Closing

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 emotional milestones that shaped his path. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with insights and heartwarming moments!

To purchase Baloney, Baloney, Baloney today go to www.alfaroeducates.com 

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Robert Alfaro, Principal and Author

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:24) Introduction

(01:25 - 04:45) Baloney, Baloney, Baloney

(04:46 - 06:10) The Golden Opportunity

(06:11 - 07:52) An Impactful Teacher

(07:53 - 10:54) Environment at Home

(10:55 - 16:12) Sharing Past Stories

(16:13 - 19:40) Resiliency of Kids

(19:41 - 26:23) The Education Journey

(26:24 - 29:32) Looking Into College

(29:33 - 34:11) Back to Teaching

(34:12 - 37:27) Being a Guide and a Teacher

(37:28 - 37:52) Connect with Robert

(37:53 - 38:21) Closing

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 with inspiring success stories that may change how you view your own energy budget. Don’t miss this engaging conversation between two insightful leaders!

To learn more about Energia check out their website: www.energiasaves.com or to connect with Kendra directly email her at [email protected]

Thank you for watching. Please like, subscribe, and comment!

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Kendra McQuilton, CEO of Energia

Time Stamps & Show Notes

(00:00 - 01:49) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:13) What is Energia?

(03:14 - 07:11) Tighter Budgets

(07:12 - 10:44) Where to Start

(10:45 - 12:21) Taking Small Steps

(12:22 - 14:49) Strategy in Energy

(14:50 - 17:10) The Engagement Process

(17:11 - 19:02) Least Efficient Systems

(19:03 - 22:43) Success Stories

(22:44 - 25:09) Speed of Service

(25:10 - 29:29) Quick Q&A

(29:30 - 31:36) Connect with Energia

(31:37 - 32:10) Closing