Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez was awarded the 2023 Region 20 Superintendent of the Year on May 12 by members of the Region 20 Education Service Center (ESC).
During a surprise ceremony attended by Seguin ISD trustees, principals, teachers and administrative staff, family members, plus the Seguin High School Matador Band, Region 20's Executive Director Dr. Jeff Goldhorn presented the award to Gutierrez.
The award is based on outstanding leadership, management, school climate, school board-superintendent relations, school improvement and instructional leadership, fiscal management and school-community relations.
Goldhorn touched upon several of Gutierrez's achievements and initiatives that have come into play during his six year tenure with the district, including academic growth, the creation and redesign of a strategic plan, the successful passage of $131.5 million for Bond 2022, fostering relationships with the school board and nurturing partnerships with city and county officials and community members.
"His personality complements his leadership skills that are necessary to affect change within an organization of more than 7,000 students and 1,100 employees. Even keeled, well-spoken and friendly, he articulates in a manner that is welcoming and easy to understand. He has a unique ability to speak to people at their level, interpreting things through their lens," said Seguin ISD School Board President Alejandro Guerra.
Also noted during the award celebration were Gutierrez's efforts to engage stakeholders, such as effectively utilizing social media to tell Seguin ISD's story, creating a Superintendent's Student Advisory team of students from each campus who meet monthly to share their voice, and funding a scholarship for Seguin High School graduates who pursue a degree in education.
"We share your excitement as such a great accomplishment and thank you for your vision to support your students and the community of Seguin ISD," Goldhorn said.
As Region 20 Superintendent of the Year, Gutierrez advances to the pool of school district leaders who will be considered by the Texas Association of School Boards State Selection Committee this summer.
Gutierrez’s award follows the Seguin ISD Board of Trustees earning the Region 20 School Board of the Year in 2022.
