District News
![A young girl with long brown hair sits at a table with a laptop and papers, while a whiteboard with success criteria is visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782760265/gilbertschoolsnet/xjmklrqe6vu7y9mf6yvr/PersonalFinanceDiplomaSealsPressSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782760265/gilbertschoolsnet/xjmklrqe6vu7y9mf6yvr/PersonalFinanceDiplomaSealsPressSquare.png","width":512}])
"When you teach a student how borrowing money on a credit card can cost them thousands in interest, or how a retirement match doubles their money, you change their adult trajectory..."
GPS prepares thousands of graduates for adult financial responsibilities, boosting AZ Seal of Personal Finance awards by 552% over four school years.
![A woman in an apron points while standing behind a counter with a clear container of items in the foreground, and commercial kitchen equipment in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782398809/gilbertschoolsnet/nqmrlchkbtvmfybbufxk/NutritionServicesFreeReducedMeals.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782398809/gilbertschoolsnet/nqmrlchkbtvmfybbufxk/NutritionServicesFreeReducedMeals.png","width":512}])
Free and Reduced Meal Applications will open for the 2026-2027 school year on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026
![The image shows a group of people standing in front of a banner for Gilbert Public Schools, a highly rated school district, with various businesses and storefronts visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762966543/gilbertschoolsnet/q7gifmnhvpid2clqgfeu/BehindtheACIPsThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762966543/gilbertschoolsnet/q7gifmnhvpid2clqgfeu/BehindtheACIPsThumbnail.png","width":512}])
At his final meeting, the GPS Governing Board celebrated Dr. McCord for fostering an open, transparent governance culture between district administration, families, and the community.
“The culture of this district is relationships,” commented Dr. McCord. “We can have goals, we can have strategies, and we can have excellent test scores, and we can have missions, but none of that matters if we don’t have a heart.”
![Over 30 Gilbert Public Schools 2026 graduates are enlisting in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your service! Photos of four graduates.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782227259/gilbertschoolsnet/ujqfyte42kqf2nhzqjaz/MilitaryPressSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782227259/gilbertschoolsnet/ujqfyte42kqf2nhzqjaz/MilitaryPressSquare.png","width":512}])
As the class of 2026 transitions from high school to the next chapters of their lives, GPS is proud to recognize the exceptional dedication of graduating seniors who have chosen to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. Across GPS campuses, 33 students have officially enlisted in the military, with many more in the process of enlisting.
![Rooted in Gilbert: How FFA Continues a Century of Agricultural Excellence]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781641795/gilbertschoolsnet/anrhmgfgcdw213eocxbd/FFAPressSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781641795/gilbertschoolsnet/anrhmgfgcdw213eocxbd/FFAPressSquare.png","width":512}])
For generations, agriculture has been embedded in the identity of Gilbert. Long before Gilbert became one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, it was known for its farmland, livestock, and strong agricultural roots, even earning the nickname “Hay Capital of the World.” Now, nearly a century later, students across GPS are continuing that legacy in a modern way through Career and Technical Education Agriscience programs and Future Farmers of America.
![A band director stands before a student orchestra in a classroom with a presentation screen behind him.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779295148/gilbertschoolsnet/wpecsdfbhkvwgeacwrt1/HHSGraduationGOLDSquare.png","width":1080}])
"My instructors have always prepared us for what comes next. They've been really good mentors, not only for the aspects of band and music, but for life."
At Highland High School, graduation is a year-long collaborative effort with contributions from every corner of the campus. From meticulous administrative logistics to the professional-grade performances rehearsed by student musicians, the entire campus works in harmony to celebrate the Class of 2026 and inspire students to RISE Above.