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Madison Metropolitan School District

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Superintendent dr. joe gothard laughing while talking to a teacher in the classroom
superintendent dr. joe gothard shaking hands with an elementary school student
Dr. Gothard talking to staff members at holtzmen center

A message from Dr. Gothard

Dear Members of the Madison Metropolitan School District Community,

I am honored and excited to return to Madison as Superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Having attended elementary through high school in MMSD, served in various capacities within the district from classroom teacher to Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, and been a parent to former MMSD students, I am deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students and the entire school community. I firmly believe that people are at the center of everything we do. By focusing on people, we can realize our collective vision, shaped by the community and supported by the Board of Education: to make every school a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career, and community. As such, I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders, leading with transparent communication, and ensuring our decisions are grounded in what is best for our students. I understand the importance of fostering partnerships with the Board of Education, families, students, and staff to create a supportive and inclusive environment. My first 100 days in the district will help to begin and guide our work together. I am eager to engage with district stakeholders to listen, learn, and study the district’s current state, to shape the work we will do collectively.

I want to emphasize that I cannot accomplish our goals alone. Together, we must prioritize the well-being and success of every individual in our district. Together, we can build a more robust and equitable educational system for our students — one that prioritizes how they learn so we can best support their educational needs to help improve achievement and educational outcomes. Together, we can positively impact our students’ lives and build a brighter future for them and MMSD. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students and community.

In partnership,
Dr. Joe Gothard

Dr. Joe Gothard

Dr. Joe Gothard

Superintendent

Learn more about the MMSD strategic framework

Contact the Superintendent

The “Superintendent Strategic Framework” will help guide our work and set goals and timelines to develop key priorities within MMSD.

Referendum 2024 logo and graphic element

2024 Referenda Passage

Voters overwhelmingly supported both the operational and facilities referenda on the November 5 ballot. The results show that our community continues to be committed to investing in our students. Our focus, as always, is centered on our students, staff and families. 

The yes vote for operations means the district can continue to retain and attract high-quality staff to inspire and educate our students. Important programs built to positively impact all of our students can be sustained and expanded. Ten of our schools will be transformed with the yes vote for district facilities, providing modern, flexible teaching and learning spaces for our students and staff. 

Stay informed about the 2024 referendum progress

Dr. Gothard's Goals

Dr. Gothard speaking to staff

Goal 1:

Establish guiding principles and priorities for an effective relationship between the Board of Education and Superintendent.



 

k12 students smiling while getting off a school bus

Goal 2:

Conduct a review of achievement and equity in MMSD in support of providing a meaningful and relevant educational experience for all students; effective and culturally relevant instruction; racial equity; and college and career readiness.

Dr. Gothard talking to parent at Juneteenth parade

Goal 3:

Strengthen public support by committing to frequent communication, open and honest dialogue, and developing partnerships that support the district’s students, staff, and families.


 

MMSD staff listening to a speaker

Goal 4:

Review the overall organization and determine how to enhance effectiveness.






 

Entry Plan: More Than 160 Hours of Impact 

Group in front of the bus for the facilities bus tour
Dr. Gothard speaking
Dr. Gothard talking to elementary student
Dr. Gothard talking outside with adults with a student near by
Dr. Gothard speaking at Memorial ribbon cutting ceremony
Dr. Gothard in music room with Memorial students
Dr. Gothard talking to student
Dr. Gothard talking to high school student in the music room
Dr. Gothard at Hispanic Heritage Month
Dr. Gothard speaking at La Follette Ribbon cutting ceremony
Dr. Gothard shaking students hand
Dr. Gothard talking to a community member
Dr. Gothard smiling with a family at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
  • Calendar Hours
    • Entry Plan Update: 28 weeks
  • Community Based
    •  92 hours
  • School Visits
    •  33 hours
  • Central Office/Staff
    •  15 hours
  • Media
    •  21 hours 

Total: 161 hours

Community Engagement and Progress Updates

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Desired Outcomes

  1. Ensures an effective transition as the Superintendent of Schools.
  2. Produce a summary of findings, observations, and information from the Listen and Learn phases that will inform the creation of observable action steps.
  3. Identify the most urgent areas in need of support and create steps for improvement. 
  4. Determine opportunities to provide regular progress updates, and then share with the community.
  5. Demonstrate a unified relationship between the Board and Superintendent regarding MMSD staff and the Madison community.

EQUITY COMMITMENT

The greatest challenges in public education are centered around the policies and practices that have led to historically persistent, disparate outcomes and opportunity gaps for students. I am dedicated to addressing the underlying impacts of factors such as race, social class, English language support, special education, and exceptional needs. My commitment is unwavering in focusing efforts on dismantling barriers that hinder student success. This involves developing and implementing targeted strategies that urgently and comprehensively address students’ unique needs to help achieve equitable outcomes and opportunities throughout their educational journey.