Royal Oak Schools New Leader Ready For School Year

ROYAL OAK, MI — With classes resuming in Royal Oak starting Tuesday, the school district’s biggest change is in leadership at the top. Mary Beth Fitzpatrick took over as superintendent from Shawn Lewis-Lakin on July 1, according to a C & G Newspaper report.

While she’s no stranger to the community — Fitzpatrick spent 31 years in the neighboring Berkley School District — her biggest challenge thus far has been getting to know staff and Royal Oak in general on a more detailed basis. She plans to continue the process by getting out of the administration building at least once a week to visit classrooms.

“Day-to-day visits, just walking through classrooms, seeing what is happening with the students, talking to teachers if they are available, and that is on my regular calendar,” Fitzpatrick said.

“It’s what we’re here for,” she said. “We’re here for the students and the families. We are a school district, and if you as a leader are not aware of what is happening within the schools, how could you possibly make good decisions and lead well if you are not out there to see what is happening for yourself.”

For more, go to C & G Newspapers.

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