“For our students to see our first Latino superintendent, it is a powerful message to our students, all of our students, that anyone in this city and community can succeed," she said.

Gutiérrez said during his public forum he would not “come in and shake things up and make changes” immediately.

“I’m not of the mindset to come in and make drastic changes,” he added during a press conference following the forum. “It’s important to listen and learn and connect with your team of people who I would have to rely on heavily to help me navigate through all of the complexities that are going to come with MMSD and Madison.”

He said Friday afternoon he got a good feel for the district during his visit in hearing the questions from various community members.

“Throughout that day and through discussions and based on questions and the feedback that came through, I felt like people are looking for someone who can be a uniter, who can listen to stakeholders, who can build relationships, who's visible," he said. "I feel like I can do that and help continue the work that’s outlined in the strategic framework and add value to that based on my experiences.”

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