Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
Although we were all aware….this official announcement marks an era of consummate statewide and national leadership….
Best wishes and thank you Mike from all of us.
David
Blackstone Valley Tech needs a superintendent for the first time in 31 years.
Tom Benoit The Milford Daily News
UPTON — One of the state’s longest-serving superintendents has decided to retire once the 2024-25 school year ends.
Michael Fitzpatrick, superintendent-director of the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District since 1994, confirmed his plans to the Daily News on Friday. He told the newspaper in a phone interview that he simply felt like it was time.
“The system’s in excellent shape and it’s just a good time for me,” said Fitzpatrick, 77.
He conceded he had mixed feelings about the decision.
"This has been a very important part of my life for 31 years and 53 years as an educator," Fitzpatrick said. "I’ve enjoyed my interactions with students and staff and the district at large. Recently, I jogged with the cross-country team, played nine holes of golf with the golf team and so I’m finding additional ways to connect with our students as I transition."
‘Still make a difference’: Blackstone Valley superintendent is going strong after 30 years on the job
Fitzpatrick joined Blackstone Valley Tech in 1994. He was born and raised in Milford but left to pursue higher education at Westfield State College (now Westfield State University). Before coming to Blackstone, he was director for the Center for Vocational Technical Education at Fitchburg State College (now Fitchburg State University) for four years, training vocational technical leadership personnel and organizing statewide professional development programs, according to a biography posted on Blackstone Valley Tech’s website.
Fitzpatrick went on to earn a doctorate in education administration from UMass Amherst. He served as assistant superintendent at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School District in Palmer.
Blackstone Valley Tech — its full name is Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School — serves Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge.
Outgoing Blackstone Valley Tech superintendent lays out capital plan
During his phone interview, Fitzpatrick discussed plans for a capital improvement that he says is reliant on funding to "advance and best protect this system."
Fitzpatrick explained that the 13 communities served by Blackstone Valley Tech approved borrowing of up to $10 million to make roof repairs and HVAC upgrades. The school also has an application to the state for reimbursement but will not hear back on it until October.
Second, Fitzpatrick said the state "has given us indication" that it will contribute $1 million toward improving Blackstone Valley Tech’s culinary arts program.
"Those are a couple of samples of outside funding and reimbursement to make significant improvements to protect the facility here," Fitzpatrick said.
He said that even in retirement, he planned to remain a part of the Blackstone Valley Tech community.
“I really don’t want to work for another school system, and I still want to be available to be helpful here, from afar," Fitzpatrick said. "So, I’ll spend some time coaching my grandchildren, helping out a number of nonprofits, non-educational organizations. That’s all part of what I hope to do."
Fitzpatrick’s last day will be June 30. In the meantime, the School Committee will search for a successor.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
