Matt Steinbarth, the Fond du Lac School District’s new superintendent, said community partnerships and career-focused programming are central to expanding student options, naming the ACE program and a recently announced partnership with Marian University as examples. "We just actually have announced another partnership with Marian University down the road where some of the courses we maybe wouldn't have been able to offer here in Fond du Lac, they're actually picking up on some of those for us," Steinbarth said.

Nut graf: Steinbarth described community fundraising and business partnerships as essential components of vocational and dual-credit opportunities at Fond du Lac High School. He said those relationships let students earn both high-school and college credit and expose them to local employers.

Steinbarth said the ACE program began with community fundraising and local support: "The community brought in $2,000,000 to help that be built," he said, describing community leaders and businesses that advocated for the program while he was a principal. He cited examples of local employers that offer pathways into careers, naming Alliant, JF Ahern and Giddings & Lewis as local employers where students might begin careers. He also mentioned individual community contributions such as donations of jackets from Dave Hazy at Attitude Sports.

On cross-enrollment and access, Steinbarth said private-school and homeschooled students can take classes at Fond du Lac High School when space allows. "Our private school students, as long as we have room, can actually take up to two classes here at Fond du Lac High School as well," he said.

Steinbarth emphasized the district’s goal of making Fond du Lac a "destination district" by broadening student experiences — including ACE technical and career coursework, music and arts, athletics and new dual-credit offerings through Marian. He noted that expanding awareness of district offerings is part of outreach; he suggested staff open houses and community tours so families and long-time employees can see programs such as the ACE building.

Discussion versus formal action: The interview described partnerships, past fundraising and program offerings but did not record a formal contract, board vote or new funding appropriation in the segment.

Steinbarth framed these efforts within his leadership motto "ignite opportunities," saying he finds satisfaction when students access programs that prepare them for college or careers. "The more doors that are left open, then students get to choose which ones they walk through," he said.