Former Fontana Superintendent Willhoit Remembered

A.J. Willhoit, Ed.D., former Fontana Superintendent and longtime educator, passed away on August 24, 2007.

After serving in World War II, Dr. Willhoit and his family relocated to Fontana where he hoped to obtain a teaching position.  Instead, he was hired as Fontana's first assistant superintendent.  When then-Superintendent John Allen Fitz retired in 1950, Dr. Willhoit was named Superintendent.

During his tenure as Superintendent, Dr. Willhoit introduced instrumental music instruction at the elementary school level, making sure that instruments were provided free for students to take home for practice.  The District's new special education program also expanded during those years, receiving accolades from throughout the State.

In 1956, Fontana Unified School District was formed and a new superintendent was named.  Dr. Willhoit continued with the District in many administrative capacities, including Principal of Fontana Adult School, until his retirement in 1982.

Click here to read more about Dr. A.J. Willhoit in an article from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

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