La Serna High School Principal Ann Fitzgerald - who demonstrates exceptional leadership by being a visionary, fostering a safe and effective school culture, and using creativity and innovation to solve problems - is among three Whittier Union administrators to be named Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 15 Administrators of the Year.
Fitzgerald will join will Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Dr. Monica Oviedo and Director of Accountability, Staff Development, Curriculum and Instructional Materials Dr. Carlye Marousek at a Region 15 leadership conference and awards banquet April 29.
“This trio of influential, dedicated and committed educators are true professionals who put the needs of our students, teachers and staff ahead of everything else,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “They roll up their sleeves and tackle any task at hand with ease and poise. I am proud of the successes our District has achieved under their leadership. They are all deserving recipients of this incredible honor.”
Region 15 – the largest charter in ACSA – is composed of 25 charter districts across Los Angeles County, from the Antelope Valley to Claremont. ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation and advocates for equitable world-class education for students in kindergarten through grade 12, bolstered by the support of inspirational educational leaders.
Fitzgerald, a 25-year educator in Whittier Union, has been instrumental to the success of La Serna’s exemplary bell schedule, which provides intervention support for students during the school day. The structured program has led to a 96 percent daily attendance rate, 98 percent graduation rate and nearly 70 percent of all graduates meeting college entrance requirements.