Foreword

I love Wisconsin public schools.  During my two terms as Governor, education was my top priority.  I have had the great privilege of working with many great teachers and administrators.  In communities big and small, I have seen the importance of strong, thoughtful and collaborative leaders.

Jim “Fitz” Fitzpatrick was one of those great leaders. He served as a superintendent and principal in Wisconsin from 1986 to 2013.  I got to know Fitz after my election as Governor in 2002. Over the next eight years we worked together to see that schools were adequately and equitably funded, and fought against efforts to slash school budgets.  My wife Jessica, an educator herself, visited his district on several occasions.

Fitz has been, and continues to be, a passionate and effective advocate for education in the cities in which he worked, throughout the State of Wisconsin and across the country. As the outstanding superintendent in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and a beloved high school principal in Beloit, Wisconsin, he provided caring leadership, tirelessly driven to provide opportunities, service and access to all students.  Widely respected by his peer principals and superintendents, he often served as a mentor to many of them.  Communities where he served remain deeply in his debt, and remember him fondly.

Fitz has now written a book from the lens of a practitioner in which he shares his experiences in building a strong learning culture.  His insights extend beyond what is taught in Educational Leadership Programs.  He shares a common sense approach to building relationships and garnering educator, parent and community support for its schools.  His book is a blueprint for success for aspiring administrators and practicing leaders who may be motivated to take the next step in their careers. As you turn the pages you gain an appreciation for his down to earth approach, humor and understanding of the leadership process.

Now an Educational Leadership Professor at National Louis University in Chicago, Fitz continues his leadership work. In teaching and mentoring aspiring school leaders and doctoral candidates in both the classroom and internships, Fitz not only shares leadership theory, but also the “alley smarts” he picked up along his journey.  From his preface to the last chapter on life balance, you will find his leadership nuggets interesting and helpful.

This book is a must read that will appeal to a wide audience. In addition to aspiring school leaders, Fitz’s book would provide an insightful book study for administrative teams, Board of Education members, and anyone with an interest in school leadership and governance.

 Jim Doyle
Governor of Wisconsin
2003-2011