Francisco “Frank” Gutierrez’ work with UISD Special Education students has earned him a promotion from Special Education Coordinator to Special Education Processes/Programs Director. As a Coordinator for 12 years, Gutierrez assisted, guided and supported teachers, administrators, parents and stakeholders during school and after school activities.
One of the most well-known events under his leadership is the yearly “Community First Fishing Derby” held at Lake Casa Blanca. UISD departments, led by Special Education, join former Webb County Judge Danny Valdez and other community organizations to provide a day-long fishing adventure for special needs children.
Gutierrez says he has enjoyed working in education for 20 years because he sees first-hand the difference special programs can make in the lives of children. He joined UISD 16 years ago, and his former positions include working in a disciplinary alternative education program or DAEP as a teacher and elementary Pathfinder instructor in Rio Bravo.
Gutierrez says he appreciates the support and confidence given to him to serve the needs of more than six thousand students in the UISD Dyslexia and Special Education Programs.
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the UISD Board of Trustees and our Superintendent Mr. David Gonzalez for entrusting me with this important job. I am truly obliged and inspired to meet and exceed the expectations set forth with this new assignment,” states Gutierrez.
“I want to continue to impact student lives by meeting their educational and behavioral needs and by ensuring their parents, educators, and stakeholders have the necessary tools and resources for them to be successful lifelong learners.”
Gutierrez is a strong believer in the curriculum and instruction mission which highlights the importance of innovation in educational support and programs.
“Our Special Education department is surrounded by extremely qualified individuals; and together, we continue to impact students' lives by building trust and establishing partnerships to ensure all students receive the best quality of instruction and services.”
Gutierrez says he will strive to ensure that all six thousand students in these programs have what they need to be successful.
“My duties will include working with budget, staffing, professional development, progress monitoring, graduating courses, educational programs, attendance, meeting all state indicators monitored by the TEA, to name a few.”
“I plan to continue to dedicate myself entirely to this organization,” stresses Gutierrez. “All students and stakeholders involved are guaranteed to have my commitment, loyalty, integrity and exemplary work ethic to ensure each and every student is successful. It is our duty to help them make their life-long dreams come true.”
Gutierrez is currently working on a doctorate degree at Texas Tech University, with a major in Educational Leadership. He is a Texas A & M International Alumni, where he received his Bachelors and Master of Science Degrees.
Gutierrez certifications include Special Education (EC -12), Educational Administration (EC-12), Instructional Leadership Development (ILD), T-TESS, and Bilingual Generalist.
Gutierrez has been happily married to Maria C. Gutierrez for 20 years. She is a counselor at Bonnie Garcia Elementary School. They have two children, Andrea N. Gutierrez, age 18, the Salutatorian of her class in May 2023, and Frankie Gutierrez, age 16, a freshman at TAMIU.
When he is not working at UISD, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hunting and weightlifting.
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