H.P. Fitzgerald moved to Nevada from Virginia in the 1940s. He was the first African-American principal in Nevada in 1956 at Kit Carson Elementary School, currently known as Helen Toland International Academy. He also served as principal of Jo Mackey Elementary School from 1961 to 1972. He worked for the District for 25 years.
Mr. Fitzgerald was also the first African-American to earn a master’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. He was the first African-American in Nevada to earn a vocational education certificate and be issued in a general building contractor’s license.
He has worked with several community organizations including the United Way, NAACP, Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Village, and more.
H.P. Fitzgerald Elementary School opened in 1993.
