I spent 31 years of my working life as a sales representative for a publishing company. On a daily basis I dealt with the leaders of school districts. I observed that the leadership of superintendents and principals was critical in the overall success of a district.

I heard from a source that at a recent board meeting the district administration had “coopted teachers to speak glowingly of the present Fountain Hills leadership.” That was not staged, that was genuine. Dr. Jagodzinski has turned this district around in less than two years and I hope he will be rewarded for it.

One of the recent arguments of those voting against the bond was that our academic results were abysmal. They were. I tried telling fellow voters that they were casting their votes on the past administration’s records. Sadly, the district’s 2022-2023 academic results were only recently published. Not surprisingly, FHUSD has been recognized with A+ Schools of Excellence. “A happy ship” producing quality results.

Before my career in the publishing business I spent 10 years in Her Majesty’s British Royal Marine Commandos. One of my postings involved leading a Joint Forces School Visiting Team. Again, I had the opportunity to see the results of good and poor leadership in British schools. Later I deployed as leader of a Detachment of Royal Marines on a British frigate for two years and served under two different Ship’s Captains. They were like chalk and cheese. The first Captain was one of the finest of his generation, the other was a disaster. The performance of the ship’s company reflected the standards set by each captain. The same can be said for the current Fountain Hills administration.

I hope Dr. Jagodzinski will hang in there, as he deserves the confidence and support of Fountain Hills residents.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.