the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Board of Education has announced the appointment of Dr. Leonard Fitts as the Interim Superintendent of Schools
May 23, 2022
Dear Ridgewood Community,
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Leonard Fitts as the Interim Superintendent of
Schools.
Dr. Fitts’ extensive background in education includes leading school districts of all sizes as a
superintendent for nearly four decades and serving as an Advisor-Excellence to Eminence at the
University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Fitts earned his Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Administration
from University of Pennsylvania and MBA degree from Drexel University, and is also a licensed clinical
psychologist and former executive county superintendent. Dr. Fitts has been honored as one of New Jersey
School Board Association’s Executive 100 Educators and is a recipient of various recognitions including
the United Negro College Fund Alumni Award and the United States Naval Recruiting Award.
Dr. Fitts brings a wealth of pedagogical knowledge and experience to our district, and he is excited to
meet with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fitts to
Ridgewood as he begins his interim work on the upcoming 2022-23 school year.
Sincerely,
HyunJu Kwak
President
Ridgewood Board of Education
Biography: Leonard Fitts is best described as a reformed educator. He has led both large and small school districts as school superintendent for nearly four decades. He has generated strong support for the schools by reducing the drop-out rate and raising the graduation rate. His reform efforts have focused on five strategic priorities, including scientific leadership, effective teaching, literacy, cost effectiveness, and partnerships.
Prior to becoming a school leader he was a U.S. Air Force Officer and worked as an administrator of Equal Employment Opportunities for Radio Corporation of America. He has been a mathematics teacher, school principal, guidance counselor, school psychologist, director, assistant superintendent of special services, school superintendent and retired as Union County Superintendent of Schools. He has held adjunct teaching positions at Pepperdine University, Columbia College, Rutgers University, Trenton State College, Drexel University, Antioch University, LaRoche College, Rowan State College, Salem County College, Burlington County College, University of Delaware, Southern Illinois University, Lincoln University, Howard University, Union Institute, Dean-School of Education-Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts. He served as an Advisor-Excellence to Eminence at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as Interim Superintendent of Schools when needed throughout the State of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Although Dr. Fitts has lived in New Jersey during his entire professional career, he is a native of Faunsdale, Alabama, where he attended kindergarten through the twelfth grade. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mathematics and Science, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Tuskegee University. He completed a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Administration at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed Post-Doctorate study at Drexel University, earning an MBA degree in Finance and Administration. In addition, he is a licensed clinical psychologist.
Dr. Fitts has been honored as being named one of NSBA’s Executive 100 Educators, and a recipient of the United Negro College Fund Alumni Award, the United States Naval Recruiting Award, and the March of Dimes Birth Defect Service Award.
Dr. Fitts is engaged as a consultant at Wilmington University for the development of a Violence and Peace Institute. He is collaborating with Dr. Curtis Andrews on this project.
Congratulations to him. Let him do his job and let’s keep the politics out of his office. Give him a chance.