Madison Metropolitan School District

Dr. Joe Gothard

Dr. Joe Gothard is a committed, community-focused educator who emphasizes a people-centered approach to education. He is dedicated to supporting students, staff and families and has championed numerous initiatives that boost academic success, expand opportunities and advance inclusion.

In an interview with Education Insider Magazine, Dr. Gothard discussed how meeting each child’s unique needs, balanced technology use and commitment to support every learner guide his leadership.

Leadership Rooted in Experience

I was born and raised in Madison and have spent over two decades in the school district, rising through the ranks from an educational assistant to assistant superintendent. In 2013, I moved to Minnesota, where I served as superintendent for four years at Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District and seven years at Saint Paul Public Schools.

Serving as a superintendent at Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is deeply meaningful to me. Being an MMSD alumnus, my connection to this community remains central to how I lead.

Commitment to Student Growth

The City of Madison is expected to grow by over 100,000 people in the next 25 years. Madison is a destination city for numerous reasons, from its thriving health technology sector to its robust city government. My goal is to make MMSD a destination school district, providing a seamless educational experience for students from 4K through graduation. To advance this, we have developed a strategic framework, ‘MMSD: Excellence Together,’ and an operational plan, ‘Building for the Future.’

Under the Wisconsin Act 20, enacted in 2023, teachers are mandated to undergo training in the science of reading. Many of our educators have already completed the training, while others are currently enrolled. Our Board of Education reduced early-grade class sizes to strengthen literacy instruction, recognizing that reading proficiency by third grade is essential for lifelong success. Additionally, we’ve recently expanded our full-day 4K options because we know how important it is to build a solid educational foundation for our youngest learners. We place particular emphasis on students of color, students with disabilities and multilingual learners to close opportunity gaps and ensure students are ready for kindergarten.

Well-being and academic development are intertwined and must be integrated while still meeting each child’s unique needs. I have long valued our commitment to serving every student consistently and effectively in ways that best support their growth.

Navigating Technology for Balanced Learning

The opportunities presented by digital platforms are substantial, while at the same time, there is a growing debate about restricting cellphone and online use. Ensuring students have safe and intentional access to online tools, like social media and AI, is crucial for enhancing their learning opportunities. A clear distinction must be made between technology that supports education and that which detracts from it.

We acknowledge that every classroom contains learners with diverse needs and preferences. Some students may resist technology, others excel with it, and some use it solely for accessing resources not available in print or the library.

Maintaining vigilance around technology use is essential while supporting students’ readiness to engage fully and positively with school and peers. In response to the new cellphone ban, MMSD will implement a compliant policy by July 1, 2026, building on existing policies that limit improper use.

Motivation Rooted in Meaningful Engagements

My motivation stems from being present in our schools, learning directly from educators and students while fulfilling my role as superintendent. During designated times, I visit schools for unplanned walkthroughs, allowing me to observe daily experiences and hear genuine perspectives from principals, teachers, staff, parents and students.

I aim to understand what is working well, what motivates the school community and what obstacles they feel are limiting their success. Students with clear futures and those still exploring their venues inspire a commitment to strengthen the system for all to succeed.

Questions about the superintendent’s role and decision-making are always welcomed to maintain accountability. The insights gained inform recommendations presented to the Board of Education to enhance MMSD’s educational quality and success.