The Path Forward

Welcome back to The Path Forward at the TASA/TASB TexED Conference! In today’s episode, Rick Fernandez is joined by Travis Fanning, Superintendent of Beeville ISD, and Art Gamez, Beeville ISD Board of Trustees. They discuss the great things that are happening in Beeville ISD and the steps they are taking to connect with the community in exciting and engaging ways. Hear Travis and Art’s outlook on the grading system here in Texas and watch as Art and Rick show Travis what Dallas is all about. You won’t want to miss this interesting discussion!

To learn more about Beeville ISD click on https://www.beevilleisd.net/! 

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Travis Fanning, Superintendent of Beeville ISD

Art Gamez, Beeville ISD Board of Trustees

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:31) Introduction 

(01:32 - 04:24) Creative Ways to Engage with the Community

(04:25 - 06:30) Starting Off the School Year with Excitement

(06:31 - 8:41) The Opportunities in Beeville, TX (Learn to Weld!) 

(8:42 - 10:30) Role Models of Beeville ISD

(10:31 - 11:38) Agreeing on the Vision

(11:39 - 14:44) A Complex and Confusing Grading System

(14:45 - 16:51) Missing the Holistic View of a Student

(16:52 - 19:57) The Future of Beeville ISD

(19:58 - 20:59) Great Things Happening in Beeville

(21:00 - 22:11) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today’s episode, Rick Fernandez is joined by Amy Dodson with Raise Your Hand Texas. They discuss what Raise Your Hand Texas is all about and where it came from as well as the political hot topic of vouchers. Listen in to hear the challenge that Texas School Districts are facing with teacher retention and discussion on possible solutions for the future of education. You won’t want to miss this insightful discussion!

To learn more about Raise Your Hand Texas visit https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/! 

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez

Guest: Amy Dodson - Raise Your Hand Texas

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:17) Introduction 

(01:18 - 02:52) Raise Your Hand Texas

(02:53 - 04:43) Getting Engaged with Raise Your Hand Texas

(04:44 - 07:46) The Voucher Dilemma 

(07:47 - 09:01) The “Success” of Vouchers

(09:02 - 11:34) Students Are Not One Day One Test

(11:35 - 14:06) A New System of Grading 

(14:07 - 18:25) The Teacher Crisis

(18:26 - 20:44) Poor Funding Across Texas Education

(20:45 - 24:07) Potential Partnership with Business 

(24:08 - 26:36) More Engagement with Businesses

(26:37 - 28:45) Get Involved with Raise Your Hand Texas

(28:46 - 29:21) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! We're thrilled to have Jeni Neatherlin, Superintendent at Granger ISD, and Daryl Stefek, Board President at Granger ISD, with us today. This is the first of many episodes filmed at the educational conference of the year, the TASA/TASB Convention! Listen to how Jeni and Daryl are cultivating a culture of excellence and care at Granger ISD, a move that has yielded significant success. The culture at Granger not only sustains the incoming growth and success of the ISD but also enhances it. Furthermore, the training and coaching provided by Jeni and Daryl to their staff are not just powerful; these efforts are making substantial waves in the field of education.   

Host(s): Rick Fernandez - TPF All-Time Leading Host 

Guests: Jeni Neatherlin - Superintendent at Granger ISD

Daryl Stefek - Board President at Granger ISD

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:48) Introduction

(00:49 - 01:47) How’s the Conference Going?

(01:48 - 02:51) Moving Forward for the Students

(02:52 - 04:12) Greatness, Growth, Discipline, Love

(04:13 - 05:59) We Care About Our Staff

(06:00 - 10:37) How to Obtain and Keep Great Staff

(10:38 - 12:51) A Competitive Spirit

(12:52 - 14:50) The Future for Granger ISD

(14:51 - 17:05) Mentoring and Shadowing Experienced Leaders

(17:06 - 19:17) Training New Board Members

(19:18 - 22:10) Observing Successful School Districts

(22:10 - 23:33) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! We're thrilled to have Jessy Milner with us today, the esteemed President of Frontline Advisory Group. In this exhilarating episode, we will explore Jessy’s compelling journey from his role as a military interrogator to earning the prestigious title of Green Beret, culminating in the founding of the Frontline Advisory Group. With a vision that’s as clear as it is inspiring, Jessy anticipates a significant turning point on the horizon for both project management and publicly funded projects. Alongside Rick, he also delves into a lively discussion about their favorite war films and highlights the commendable work he’s passionately driving forward in Dripping Springs with Patriots’ Hall. With a story that is as inspiring as it is exciting, this episode featuring a true patriot is not to be missed!

To learn more or to donate to Patriots Hall visit https://patriotshall.org/ or if you want to learn more about Frontline Advisory Group visit their website https://frontlineadvisorygroup.com/ 

Host: Rick Fernandez - TPF All-Time Leading Host (53rd appearance)

Guest: Jessy Milner - President of Frontline Advisory Group

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:04) Introduction

(01:05 - 07:40) Getting to Know Jessy Milner

(07:41 - 09:19) Working Harder Than Everyone Else

(09:20 - 11:28) Providing a No-Fail Mission

(11:29 - 12:53) Military Wife and Life 

(12:54 - 17:19) Planning and Communication Are Essential 

(17:20 - 20:59) Completing Projects On Time and In Budget

(21:00 - 23:52) Changing the Entire Game

(23:53 - 28:43) Study Succesful People and Their Values

(28:44 - 31:59) Patriots’ Hall in Dripping Springs, TX

(32:00 - 34:25) Finding Purpose After the Military

(34:26 - 38:03) A Grateful Perspective 

(38:04 - 39:21) A Military Man’s Favorite Movie

(39:22 - 40:31) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward! This is an exciting one folks. In the 52nd episode of #TPF, we were delighted to bring on Steve Kinard, Director of Bitcoin Mining Analytics for the Texas Blockchain Council. Rick’s conversation with Steve breaks down how Bitcoin mining and blockchain have tremendous upside not only in general but for the state of Texas specifically. They go through topics such as the power grid in Texas, and Blockchain/Bitcoin’s value proposition, addressing some of the major concerns and a glimpse into how Texas can take advantage of this promising industry. TPF is all about bringing education and Innovation together and this episode is a prime example of how teaching and school districts could have a big hand at play in this industry. 

If you are someone who wants to learn more about Bitcoin or are just curious about it, this episode is a great starting place!

To learn more about the Texas Blockchain Council Visit https://texasblockchaincouncil.org/!

For more information on the North American Blockchain Summit visit https://www.northamericanblockchainsummit.com/ 

Host: Rick Fernandez - TPF All-Time Host

Guest: Steve Kinard, Director of Bitcoin Mining Analytics for the Texas Blockchain Council 

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:39) Teaser and Intro: Welcome Steve!

(01:40 - 05:02) Breaking into the Bitcoin Space from Oil & Gas

(05:03 - 09:20) Taking the Bitcoin Leap of Faith 

(09:21 - 13:08) How Steve is Affecting the Education Space and TAMU Specifically

(13:09 - 17:07) Texas Opportunity in Bitcoin Mining 

(17:08 - 20:36) Executing in this Business Through other Partnerships

(20:37 - 26:42) How Safe and Secure is Blockchain?

(26:43 - 30:57) The Unique Value Proposition 

(30:58 - 32:36) We’re Still Very Early in the Process 

(32:37 - 38:39) What Is the Tipping Point for Texas and How Do We Get There

(38:40 - 41:00) The Accessibility of Buying Bitcoin 

(41:01 - 46:54) Getting This Technology in Students’ Hands

(46:55 - 51:27) From Texan to North American Blockchain Summit 

(51:28 - 53:15) The Future Is Bright and Thank You, Steve!

Welcome back to The Path Forward! In today’s episode, Rick Fernandez is joined by Carol Todd, Director of Communications for the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure (AIAI), an organization solely dedicated to moving P3s forward and strengthening American infrastructure. Follow along as they talk about procurements and P3s and why they could be a great leveraging tool not a lot of people are taking advantage of. They also discuss how this topic applies to different sectors (including education) and how Carol is responsible for maintaining marketing efforts and brand integrity.  You won’t want to miss this insightful discussion!

To learn more about AIAI and their services click on https://aiai-infra.org/ 

Host: Rick Fernandez

Guest: Carol Todd: Director of Communications AIAI

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:16) Welcome Carol! 

(01:16 - 03:00) Born in Ireland, Raised on a Farm, to AIAI

(03:01 - 04:56) Educate and Solve Problems for People

(04:57 - 09:07) Let’s Talk Some Practical Examples

(09:08 - 13:02) Why Aren’t People Leveraging Expertise?  

(13:03 - 18:23) Different Sectors and P3 Education 

(18:24 - 21:00) Where Do You See This Going?

(21:01 - 26:59) Life As the Director of Communication & Members of AIAI

(27:00 - 29:13) What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job

(29:14 - 30:14) Wrap up, and Potential Intern

Welcome back The Path Forward! In today’s episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Chip Baker, Author, and motivational speaker. We start this inspiring and motivational episode by discussing giving back to those around us, learning how to be in the moment, and then moving on to subjects like dealing with failure, mentors and so much more. From someone looking to improve their school to the average listener is episode is for you. 

Chip Baker is a fourth generation educator. He has been a teacher/coach for over twenty four years. He is a multiple time best-selling Author, Youtuber/Podcaster, Transformational Speaker and Life Coach. 

Chip Baker is the creator of the youtube channel/podcast “Chip Baker - The Success Chronicles" where he interviews people from all walks of life and shares their stories for positive inspiration and motivation. 

Live. Learn. Serve. Inspire. Go get it!

Chip Baker Books

Growing Through Your Go Through

Effective Conversation to Ignite Relationships

Suited For Success Vol. 2

The Formula Chart for Life

The Impact of Influence

R.O.C.K. Solid

The Impact of Influence Vol. 2

Kids Book- Stay On The Right P.A.T.H.

The Impact of Influence Vol. 3

The Impact of Influence Vol. 4

Black Men Love

The Impact of Influence Vol. 5

Concrete Connections

The Impact of Influence Vol. 6

Social Media Links

Wrote by Me Site

https://t.co/loWDv6eU7x

Youtube Channel

youtube.com/c/ChipBakerTheSuccessChronicles

LinkedIn

http://linkedin.com/in/chipbakerthesuccesschronicles

Facebook- Profile

https://www.facebook.com/tscchipbaker

Facebook- Page

facebook.com/chipbakertsc

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/chipbakertsc/

Twitter

twitter.com/chipbaker19

TikTok

tiktok.com/@chipbakertsc

Linktree

https://linktr.ee/ChipBakerTSC

Online Store

http://chip-baker-the-success-chronicles.square.site/

Chip Baker- The Success Chronicles Podcast

https://anchor.fm/chip-baker

Live. Learn. Serve. Inspire. Go get it!

Facebook, IG and Tik Tok @chipbakertsc

Twitter @chipbaker19

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 00:54) Introduction 

(00:55 - 04:00) About our guest 

(04:01 - 08:48) Giving back to schools

(08:49 - 14:30) Being in the moment 

(14:31 - 17:16) Learning from failure 

(17:17  - 20:20) The importance of a mentor 

(20:21 -  26:39) Learning how to grow

(26:40 - 29:06) Building relationships

(29:07 - 35:54) Fun questions

(35:55 - 36:12) Closing

Welcome back to The Path Forward Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with a very special guest, Logan Rayburn, a College football athlete and intern at Anser Advisory. 

Rick starts the show by getting some background on our guest, then moves on to ask his perspective on the internship at Anser Advisory, the lessons he has learned from being an athlete, and some fantastic advice at the end of the show for new interns that you won’t want to miss. Logan has some excellent thoughts to share and we appreciate his time, additionally, we hope you enjoy the episode. 

Host: Dr. Rick Fernadez 

Guest: Logan Rayburn - Intern at Anser Advisory

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:26) Introduction 

(01:27 - 02:54) About our guest 

(02:55 - 05:09) Idea internships 

(05:10 - 09:33) Outside perspective 

(09:34 - 12:14) Becoming adaptable 

(12:15 - 15:03) Going your own way

(15:04 - 18:44) Athletics lessons in the workforce

(18:55 - 20:45) Advice for new interns 

(20:46 - 22:00) Closing thoughts 

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast! In today's engaging episode, your host Rick Fernandez is joined by guest, John Vaglienty, Executive Director of Secondary Education of Willis ISD. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking discussion centered around the future job landscape for students and the critical importance of adaptability, trade jobs, and effective principal leadership in schools.

As the world rapidly evolves, so do the opportunities and challenges awaiting students entering the workforce. Rick and John navigate this dynamic terrain, exploring the emerging trends and potential career paths that lie ahead. They shed light on the key skills and qualities students should cultivate to thrive in this ever-changing professional landscape.

Guest: John Vaglienty

Time Stamps & Show Notes: 

(00:00 - 01:07) Introduction 

(01:08 - 04:29) About our guest 

(04:30 - 06:20) Adapting with technology 

(06:21 - 09:29) The change in leadership style 

(09:30 - 17:00) Exposing new opportunities 

(17:01 - 23:14) Building better teachers with feedback

(23:15 - 29:37) Home life 

(29:38 - 30:08) Closing 

Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast! In today's engaging episode, your host Rick Fernandez is joined by guest, James Burns, Executive Vice President of PGW Solutions. At PGW they believe that everything they deliver should provide tangible benefits to everyone involved, and it is their mission to be at the forefront of operational efficiency solutions not just right now, but as their processes and operations evolve into the future as well. 

Dr. Rick and James start the conversion off by talking about the company and the many companies PGW has worked with, then they move on to how schools and universities would hugely benefit from a service like this, reducing energy and water costs in the long run for many years. James explains all the different ways schools can and should be saving money. The discussion then turns to what employers are looking for in a candidate and tips on how to become that person. We hope you enjoy this very informative and eye-opening episode