Father, son reflect on how Gilbert schools helped shape town’s growth

George Pettit served in Gilbert's municipal leadership during much of the town's rapid expansion between 1985 and 2010. Arriving as growth accelerated, he recalled being told by the town manager on his second day that he was being placed "one step ahead of the steamroller."

At the time, schools often served as the community's gathering places. Before Gilbert developed its extensive network of parks, school grounds hosted youth sports, reading programs and other activities that helped bring neighborhoods together.

Pettit said town leaders frequently asked developers to dedicate land for public schools as new communities were planned.

"When developers came to build houses, we asked them to dedicate sites for public schools," Pettit said. "People are choosing Gilbert because of the quality of our schools. If we don't build and protect great schools, we won't have a community worth marketing."

The family's ties to Gilbert schools span generations. While George Pettit worked in town government, his wife served as Patterson Elementary's PTSO president and their son attended Greenfield Elementary, Mesquite Junior High, Gilbert High School and Patterson Elementary.

Chip Pettit interacts with students at Patterson Elementary School, where is principal.

Courtesy Gilbert Public Schools

Today, Chip Pettit leads Patterson as principal.

"You can put up any slogan you want, but what keeps the small-town feel alive is genuine care," Chip Pettit said. "When parents send their children to a Gilbert Public School, they know their kids are loved, safe and supported."

Patterson Elementary is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a milestone the Pettits say reflects the enduring connection between Gilbert's schools and the neighborhoods they serve.

Patterson Elementary is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Gilbert.

Courtesy Gilbert Public Schools

While the town now offers more than 40 parks and recreational facilities, school campuses continue to host athletic, performing arts and community events that draw families together.