Public Comments - 12/9/2025 Governing Board Meeting

Public Comment 1

Submitted by: Emme

Live or Work in the District: Yes

Child(ren) attending a GPS school: Yes

Comment: I can't believe that Gilbert Public Schools would force the resignation of such a beloved teacher who is being called "Second Dad" to many high school students especially in the middle of the marching band season. What a loss for the students and families!!! You ripped apart a family without a second thought! In a world where mental health is SO important, the GPS HR and Superintendency let outside organizations dictate what they felt was "right" and "wrong" instead of putting students FIRST!

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Public Comment 2

Submitted by: Mrs. Lazar

Live or Work in the District: No

Child(ren) attending a GPS school: Yes

Comment: Seeing Mr. Andre's job position posted on the GPS Jobs Website shatters not only my heart, but the hearts of every student and family in the Gilbert Tiger Pride Marching Band and Concert Band Program. Mr. Andre was forced to resign because he gave two junior high students an opportunity to participate in the marching band. Rather than being suspended without pay, Missy Udall and Shane McCord decided to force his hand and make him resign without due process or an appeal.

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Public Comment 3

Submitted by: Mr. Hall

Live or Work in the District: Yes

Child(ren) attending a GPS school: Yes

Comment: Mr. Andre is often with students longer than their own parents. They have bonded, developed relationships, and memories that no one will ever destroy. The TRUTH of this situation is that Mr. Andre's intentions were in the best interest of students, families, and the entire band program. I find it curious that there was no discussion about the decision to end Mr. Andre's 31 year career in GPS without any sort of hearing. Those who know his side are ashamed of GPS's over-reaction.

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Public Comment 4

Submitted by: Kate

Live or Work in the District: Yes

Child(ren) attending a GPS school: Yes

Comment: Closing Pioneer might prevent financial deficits, but it leads to overcrowding, increased absenteeism, and poorer academic performance. Larger class sizes result in more behavioral issues, bullying, etc. Proposing this closure mid-year is unfair; such decisions should be made PUBLIC a year in advance to allow for informed choices regarding education. _______________________________________________________________

Public Comment 5

Submitted by: Jonathan Dangerfield

Live or Work in the District: Yes

Child(ren) attending a GPS school: No

Comment: I am appreciative of the district's recent efforts in restricting student use of phones during the school day, especially the K-8 all-day device ban. I would like to see the district also ban phones all day for high schools. I am a GPS high school teacher and during passing periods and lunch I consistently observe large groups of students with their heads bent over mindlessly staring into their phones--they should be socializing with each other! The mental health of our young adults is at stake.

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