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Employees and Community Honor the Legacy of Governing Board President Sheila Uggetti

Gilbert Public Schools

Governing Board President and GPS leader Sheila Uggetti passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, leaving a powerful legacy in the district and public education as a whole. On Tuesday, September 17th employees across the district will be wearing green for Sheila, representing her favorite holiday, St.Patrick’s Day, and an opportunity to honor a true friend who was an inspiration to so many, in education and life.

Green for Sheila graphic

Sheila spent over 50 years serving her local community in public education, 40 of those years as an employee of Gilbert Public Schools. She was a teacher of Special Education and regular education for 17 years. She also served as an Interim HR Director at the beginning of the phenomenal growth in Gilbert and for 21 years she was the Principal of Gilbert Elementary School. In 2010 Sheila moved back to her hometown of Douglas, Arizona, where she served as Superintendent of Douglas School District until her retirement in 2015. During the 2015-2016 school year, she worked with ASU mentoring principals and served as a substitute principal for GPS. Sheila received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from ASU. She also spent 8 years as an adjunct professor for NAU. Sheila was first elected to the Gilbert School District Governing Board in 2016 and was appointed in 2020 when there were only three candidates for three seats. For the 2024/25 school year, Sheila was serving in the role of Governing Board President.

“Sheila committed her entire life to public education. To say she was a champion for students, educators and families would be an understatement.  Her impact on our community was tremendous and her ability to listen and care for people was unmatched.   She was a true hero in every sense of the word.” Superintendent, Dr. McCord

Gilbert Elementary teacher and two young students
Group of Gilbert High School staff wearing green
Four students at Gilbert Elementary
Gilbert Elementary teacher and four young students
Five women staff at Patterson Elementary
Three Female Teachers on the playground at Patterson Elementary
Mesquite Junior High School Principal Kari Castro and Teacher Steve Jones wearing green on campus
Two teachers and three students in the gym at Burk Elementary
Teacher and three students in the hallway at Burk Elementary
Group of teachers and students wearing green in the hallway of Neely Traditional Academy
Group of Mesquite Junior High School Staff in the hallway wearing green
Burk Elementary Staff standing in front of the school wearing green 
Two female Mesquite Junior High teachers wearing green