{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Solve for X","title":"Leading Through Change: Russ Johnson on School Safety, Leadership, and Superintendent Well-Being","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/3d66e15d\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1425,"description":"In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Russ Johnson, CEO of Tessera Technology Group and Trustee at Lorena ISD. With over 30 years in education and leadership, Russ shares how districts can strengthen school safety, sustain superintendents, and prepare students for meaningful careers—while keeping community and care at the center.\nFrom balancing technology and trust to supporting leaders under pressure, this episode explores what it takes to lead through change and protect what matters most in public education.\nWhat You’ll LearnWhy school safety starts with people, not just products\nHow districts can move from reaction to prevention after crises\nThe rising stress on Texas superintendents and how boards can help\nWhy leadership wellness should be part of every district’s accountability\nHow smaller districts can create workforce pathways through partnerships\nThe link between community trust, school culture, and strong leadershipEpisode Timestamps\n\n00:00 Welcome to Solve for X — “Risk it to get that biscuit”\n01:17 Meet Russ Johnson, CEO of Tessera Technology Group and Lorena ISD Trustee\n02:10 What Tessera solves for: building safety through collaboration\n03:20 The three pillars of school safety—facilities, tech, and the human factor\n05:10 Avoiding reactionary decisions: the “pendulum effect” after tragedy\n07:00 Balancing security and culture: keeping schools welcoming\n09:10 Superintendent wellness and why it’s often overlooked\n11:45 The politics of leadership—pay, pressure, and sustainability\n14:20 Preparing students for the workforce through innovation and partnerships\n20:00 Closing reflections—why educator voices must stay loud and united\nConnect with UsHost’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/\n\n\nSpecial ThanksTo Russ Johnson and the Tessera Technology Group team for their work advancing safer schools, stronger leadership, and sustainable education in Texas.\nStay Connected\nFollow, like, and subscribe to Solve...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/ICghszv8nAx-6isl02_dCXZ8qX2a8xiWRtrzRrHIAJo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wOTQ5/MmZjNjk1ODU4ZWE4/YmFmMmZhMWJlZjEy/M2FmYy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}