Leader in Change
In today’s K–12 landscape, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the backbone of transformation. Few leaders embody that vision more fully than Dr. Oscar Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer at Austin Independent School District (ISD).
Over the past five years, Oscar has guided Austin ISD through a fundamental shift from custom-coded, legacy systems to a unified SaaS-based technology platform—anchored by a partnership with Frontline Education.
This transformation hasn’t just modernized systems; it’s reshaped how the district operates, communicates, and serves its community. The key tenets of the transformation focused on simplifying the user experience for stakeholders, standardizing processes with K-12 best practices, and keeping data privacy and security as a priority, delivered through Frontline solutions.
A Vision for Sustainable Innovation
Facing escalating maintenance costs and security challenges, Austin ISD made a bold decision: move from custom coded systems to SaaS. Under Oscar’s leadership, the district reduced its data center footprint and leveraged Frontline’s professional services to create a streamlined, secure, and scalable environment.
“We realized that true transformation requires more than new technology—it requires rethinking how people, processes, and systems connect,” said Rodriguez.
This enterprise agreement with Frontline has allowed the district to innovate faster while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to changing community and financial realities.
Change Management as a Science
Oscar often says he has “change management down to a science”—and it shows. His doctoral research explores how leaders can drive technology transitions in public education, such as Austin’s Frontline ERP implementation, while maintaining trust, transparency, and delivering successful outcomes.
For Austin ISD, that meant balancing efficiency and empathy. During significant organizational shifts, including campus consolidations, Oscar’s leadership kept staff aligned and focused on student outcomes.
“Change is emotional,” Oscar noted. “But when you combine clear communication, shared goals, and a strong partnership, it becomes empowering.”
Driving Measurable Results
The district’s Frontline ERP implementation has delivered measurable improvements across finance, HR, and operations. Process simplification, automation, and standardization have not only reduced costs but also freed up time for staff to focus on students.
Trustees and the superintendent have taken note, particularly of the district’s new standardized report cards and streamlined systems built on Frontline’s platform.
Partnership and Purpose
Oscar’s collaboration with Frontline demonstrates what’s possible when education leaders and solution partners innovate together.
“Our relationship with Austin ISD goes beyond software,” said Chris Collins. “It’s about partnership, vision, and creating sustainable systems that empower educators and students alike.”
Looking Ahead: The Executive Spotlight Series
This story is part of Frontline’s Front & Center Series, which celebrates visionary leaders driving transformation in education.
Through candid conversations, data-driven insights, and real stories of change, the series explores how innovation, leadership, and partnership shape the future of K–12.
Dr. Taylor Plumbee
Dr. Taylor Plumblee is an experienced education executive with demonstrated success in education management and marketing. She joined Frontline Education in 2021 and is the Manager of Product and Solution Marketing with a focus on Student & Business Solutions including School Health Management, Special Program Management, Student Information Systems, and Data & Analytics.