Superintendent of Schools

Joe Garza became superintendent of the School District of New Berlin in July 2011, after serving for four years as assistant superintendent.

He came to New Berlin from the Almond-Bancroft School District in Portage County, WI, where he was a secondary school principal and then the district’s superintendent.

Garza earned his bachelor of arts in education and music and minored in philosophy/religion at Luther College in Decorah, IA. While there, he played baseball and performed with numerous musical ensembles, including the Nordic Choir. He received his masters in educational leadership at Marian University (formerly Marian College of Fond du Lac) in 2003. He is pursuing his Ph.D. at Cardinal Stitch University in Milwaukee.

Garza is active in community and education circles. He has been a guest lecturer at various post-secondary institutions and has spent time guiding and supporting legislation related to public education policy at the local, regional and state levels.

He has a keen interest in college and career readiness for students. Also top of mind is the impact a successful, relevant K-12 education has on workforce development and economic development.

He was appointed to the district board of Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in July 2018, and is currently serving as vice chairperson. He is also on the board of directors for GPS Education Partners, where he currently serves as secretary. 

When Garza isn't focused on improving education, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.  He lives in New Berlin with his wife and has two children who attended and graduated from the district's schools.

Professional Organizations and Associations:  Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (WASDA),  American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD), Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO),  and New Berlin Rotary Club.