Del Valle ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) -- The Del Valle Independent School District Board of Trustees named who they want to be the next superintendent.

During a special board meeting Saturday morning, the board of trustees unanimously named Dr. Matthew Gutierrez as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Schools. The board interviewed candidates from a pool of 41 applications before naming Gutierrez as the finalist for the role, according to a release from the district.

Dr. Gutierrez will be the first Latino Superintendent to serve Del Valle ISD.

I am deeply honored and grateful to the Board of Trustees for placing their trust in me to serve as the next superintendent for Del Valle ISD. Joining a district that serves many students who share similar backgrounds and experiences as I did growing up fills me with excitement and a profound sense of responsibility. I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence that makes Del Valle ISD a special place for students and families. By working closely with our dedicated staff, district leaders, community, and all stakeholders, I am committed to fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and trust. Together, we will strive to achieve new heights of success for all our students.

Dr. Gutierrez

Gutierrez most recently served as the Deputy Superintendent for Leander ISD, where he provided oversight of area superintendents, 49 schools, and many of the district’s educational programs, including Curriculum and Instruction, Special Programs, Advanced Academics, and Career and Technical Education pathways, according to DVISD's release.

He was also previously the Superintendent of Seguin ISD for six years. According to DVISD's release, Gutierrez earned Region 20 Superintendent of the Year in 2023 for his work in Seguin.

According to the release, while he was Superintendent at Seguin ISD, he brought "transformative changes," such as developing task forces and facilitating a four-year strategic planning process. Seguin experienced double-digit growth in multiple areas of STAAR, with 8 of their 11 schools experiencing an increase in TEA ratings in 2022. Del Valle ISD added that he also "oversaw long-range planning for growth, an aggressive approach to change the public image and increase community support, and successfully passed two bond packages."

Gutierrez also previously served as the Assistant Superintendent in Plano ISD and held executive leadership positions at Little Elm ISD. Gutierrez’s education career started as a middle school English Language Arts Teacher at Northside ISD.

Gutierrez holds a Bachelor's degree from Angelo State University, a Master of Education degree from Schreiner University, and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University, according to the release.

The announcement comes after former superintendent Dr. Annette Tielle announced her impending retirement from the role back in February. Jonathan Harris has been serving as acting superintendent since April when the board approved Tielle as superintendent emeritus.

The board said it expects to offer Dr. Gutierrez a contract for employment after the state-required 21-day waiting period.