UPTON – Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, a highly esteemed and nationally recognized leader in vocational-technical education, has been a cornerstone of the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District since 1994, serving as the superintendent-director. His remarkable career, which includes significant advancements and achievements, has left a proud and profound mark. He has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, marking the end of an era.

"Leading this incredible organization and serving our district's families and students has been an honor," Dr. Fitzpatrick said. "After more than three decades in a role I have profoundly enjoyed, it is bittersweet to share that this will be my final school year as superintendent-director. The decision to retire has been made collaboratively with our district school committee and with forward-thinking and advanced planning with our leadership team for continued success."

Dr. Fitzpatrick became BVT's fourth superintendent on January 3, 1994. Previously, he was director of the Center for Vocational Technical Education at Fitchburg State College for four years, the director of statewide curriculum projects at Westfield State College and Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School District for three years, statewide conference coordinator for vocational-technical leadership personnel at Fitchburg State College and Westfield State College for 13 years and assistant superintendent at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School District for 13 years.

During his tenure, voters approved bond issues, significant repair projects, a major expansion, and the opening of new vocational and adult programs. The school has received a Silver Award and was named Pacesetter Site for High Schools That Work program of the Southern Regional Education Board in 1997, 2007-2010, and 2010-2013. The school was also named a Commonwealth Compass School by the state in 2003, one of six schools in the country to receive the 2004 National School Change Award from Fordham University, and earned designation as a 2005 Vanguard Model School by Mass Insight Education. 

Dr. Fitzpatrick is the only superintendent in Massachusetts to have served as the president of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), and the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools. Additionally, he served on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Executive and Governing Boards and as chairman of the New England School Development Council. Dr. Fitzpatrick was also named Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year 2011 by MASS and AASA.

At Blackstone Valley Tech, as educators prepare students to take what they have learned and find their true passion and purpose in their professional careers, the district will celebrate Dr. Fitzpatrick's prolific career, which exemplifies this sentiment with planned events throughout the school year. His last day as superintendent-director will be June 30, 2025. This timely notice allows the District School Committee to prepare for a smooth transition in its search for its next superintendent.

About Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT):

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. For more information about the school, visit valleytech.k12.ma.us.

Submitted by BVT