Solve for X

About Solve for X

Solve for X is the podcast where district leaders and EdTech innovators come together to tackle the real challenges in K–12 education. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

Publisher

Dr. Rick Fernandez

Category

education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Aug 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Building an A-Rated District Through Culture, Belief, and Innovation With Dr. Brandon Hubbard

   This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Brandon Hubbard, Superintendent of Chilton ISD, to explore how a rural Texas district transformed expectations, strengthened its culture, and achieved an A accountability rating. For Dr. Hubbard, the rating is worth celebrating, but the larger goal is building systems that continuously create better opportunities for students. Dr. Hubbard shares his unexpected journey from studying biochemistry and planning for medical school to discovering his passion for education. After 15 years in Chilton, including 11 as superintendent, he explains how the district confronted a deeply rooted deficit mindset by investing in people, expanding students' exposure beyond their community, and refusing to let circumstances determine what students could accomplish. Rick and Brandon also explore artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape education. Brandon explains Chilton's phased approach to AI adoption, from improving teacher and administrator efficiency to differentiating and personalizing instruction. The conversation closes with the challenge that comes after achievement: avoiding complacency, sustaining successful systems, and proving that Chilton ISD is not a 'one-hit wonder.' What You'll Learn - How Chilton ISD built systems that contributed to an A accountability rating - Why changing staff expectations was essential to changing student outcomes - How investing in people helped rebuild district culture - Why students should not be limited by assumptions about their backgrounds - How exposure to colleges, careers, and new experiences expands possibilities - Why failure can be part of challenging students to reach higher expectations - How Chilton ISD is introducing AI through a phased approach - How AI can support differentiated and personalized instruction - Why human relationships remain essential in an AI-enabled classroom - How AI can improve district operations and leadership efficiency - Why sustaining success can be as challenging as achieving it - How leaders can celebrate progress without becoming complacent Episode Timestamps 01:45 Celebrating Chilton's A Rating 04:10 Brandon's Journey Into Education 07:38 Rebuilding District Culture 12:10 Changing Staff Expectations 15:44 Challenging Student Potential 18:36 Chilton's Approach to AI 22:21 Rethinking Instruction With AI 26:09 Differentiating Learning With AI 30:05 AI for District Efficiency 34:02 Becoming a More Efficient Leader 37:19 Leading After Success 40:15 Avoiding the One-Hit Wonder 43:28 Sustaining a Culture of Growth Connect with Us Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Special Thanks To Dr. Brandon Hubbard for sharing how Chilton ISD is challenging expectations, investing in people, and building systems designed to create greater opportunities for every student. His perspective on culture, continuous improvement, and thoughtful AI adoption offers valuable lessons for education leaders navigating both success and change. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time, keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

2. 

   14 Aug 2026

   The Future Workforce Through Leadership, Trades, and Innovation with Eric Crabb

   This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Eric Crabb, CEO of Valcourt Group, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing organizations and prepare the next generation of workforce leaders. Drawing from decades of experience growing service-based businesses, Eric shares his leadership journey from facility services to leading one of the nation's largest building envelope restoration companies. Together, Rick and Eric discuss the growing demand for skilled trades, why leadership and relationship-building remain irreplaceable despite advances in AI, and how companies can create cultures where people thrive. They also examine the changing expectations of today's workforce, the importance of hiring for character and entrepreneurial thinking, and why organizations must invest in developing people, not just processes. The conversation dives into the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, entrepreneurship, and education, offering practical insights for educators, business leaders, and students preparing for careers in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Whether you're leading a school district, managing a growing business, or helping students prepare for life after graduation, this episode provides valuable perspective on building talent that lasts. What You'll Learn Eric's journey from marketing graduate to CEO of Valcourt Group Why putting people and culture first drives long-term business success How leadership changes as organizations scale across multiple states Lessons learned from making difficult leadership decisions Why skilled trades continue to face critical workforce shortages The leadership and relationship skills companies value most today How AI is transforming business operations without replacing human leadership Why entrepreneurship should become a bigger focus in education How robotics and automation are changing the future of skilled trades What today's students need to prepare for tomorrow's workforce Why adaptability may become the most valuable career skill Episode Timestamps 01:08 Eric's Leadership Journey to CEO 04:00 What Valcourt Group Does 06:13 Building a People-First Culture 08:21 A CEO's Daily Responsibilities 12:12 Leadership Lessons from Mistakes 16:04 The Growing Skilled Trades Gap 20:04 Hiring Great Leaders in Today's Market 24:17 AI's Impact on Business Operations 27:08 Robotics and the Future of Field Work 30:55 Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce 34:20 Why Entrepreneurship Matters More Than Ever 38:34 Building Businesses with Technology Connect with Us Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Eric Crabb for sharing practical leadership lessons from building and scaling businesses, while offering thoughtful perspectives on workforce development, skilled trades, artificial intelligence, and the future of education. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time, keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

3. 

   7 Aug 2026

   Leadership, Learning, and Preparing Schools for an AI Future With Torrance Lewis

   This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Torrance Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, instructional practice, and the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing from a career that spans public schools in Georgia, international schools in Brazil, and district leadership in Massachusetts, Torrance reflects on the experiences that shaped his educational philosophy. Together, Rick and Torrance explore why authentic human relationships remain at the center of learning, what schools should prioritize as AI becomes more prevalent, and why leadership requires much more than simply managing systems. They also discuss the importance of productive struggle, the value of foundational learning, how educators should approach AI responsibly, and why preparing the next generation of school leaders requires deeper investment in experience, mentorship, and professional growth. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on leading schools through a rapidly changing educational landscape. What You'll Learn - Torrance's unconventional journey into education through international experiences - What teaching in Brazil revealed about students and learning across cultures - Why authentic relationships matter more than geography in education - How intervention systems can support students beyond traditional special education - Why AI should enhance educators instead of replacing human learning - The importance of protecting students' critical thinking and developmental skills - How districts can thoughtfully implement AI through professional learning - Why productive struggle is essential for meaningful learning - The role of homework in reinforcing understanding instead of measuring performance - Why educational leadership should be viewed as organizational leadership - The importance of experience and mentorship when developing future school leaders Episode Timestamps 01:16 From International Affairs to Education 08:00 Teaching in Brazil and Lessons Across Cultures 12:20 Building Student Intervention Systems 13:20 AI's Role in Education and Child Development 20:37 Should Schools Embrace AI Faster? 26:34 Why Instruction Must Continue to Evolve 29:25 Moving Beyond Right Answers 33:35 The Value of Productive Struggle 38:49 Preparing the Next Generation of School Leaders 44:34 Supporting Educational Leaders More Effectively 47:12 Why Teaching Experience Shapes Better Leadership Connect with Us Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Torrance Lewis for sharing his global perspective on education, leadership, and instructional practice. His thoughtful insights on human-centered learning, responsible AI adoption, and developing future education leaders provide valuable guidance for school systems navigating today's challenges. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time--keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.