DEL VALLE, Texas — During Hispanic Heritage Month, KVUE is highlighting Dr. Matthew Gutierrez, Del Valle ISD's first Latino superintendent.
Gutierrez has over 20 years of experience in education in various roles, including deputy superintendent at Leander ISD. We sat down with him to learn more about who he is, beyond the resume.
During our time together, Gutierrez met with staff and spoke with students about their concerns about things like cafeteria food and the bell schedule. He said getting to know staff and hearing student feedback is a priority.
According to the district, 83% of its students are Latino, and Gutierrez is the first Latino to hold the role as superintendent.
"I was surprised," said Gutierrez. "I did not expect that. When I learned that I was going to be, I was proud. I was excited about this opportunity to come to this district and serve as a role model."
He said his favorite part about being in the education system is seeing students' passions come to life in the classroom and outside of the classroom.
"I have two boys – a fifth-grader and sixth-grader – and partner," said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez, who grew up in rural Brady, said he knew from a young age he wanted to be a superintendent, often playing school with his tight-knit family.
"In fact, they give me a hard time until this day because I would give them real work to do," said Gutierrez. "We couldn't go play basketball and Nintendo. We couldn't do anything fun until they finish their assignment."
Gutierrez said he grew up in poverty, very similar to what many kids in Del Valle are experiencing.
"I knew what it was like to go without to not have air conditioning in the summer, to not have a working vehicle, to not have food in the refrigerator," said Gutierrez. " I understood what it was like to rely on extended family to provide support, food, basic necessities."
He said his mom graduated college when he was a senior in high school and became a teacher. Gutierrez also took on the challenge of educating himself later in life.
"I learned the Spanish language as an adult, which is extremely hard, and eventually passed the TOPT test, oral proficiency test, to become a bilingual teacher," said Gutierrez.
Gutierrez said he is proud of who is and where he is from.
"I have a strong sense of pride in being Latino and wanting to really immerse myself in the culture as much as possible," said Gutierrez.
In Del Valle, the community will help him do just that, while Gutierrez said he will advocate fiercely and passionately to ensure a top-notch education for all students in the district.
Take a look at Gutierrez's 100-day entry plan.