For Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Shane McCord, the Gilbert Days Parade was more than a celebration — it was a send-off.  

In his last year at the helm of GPS, McCord led the town’s signature event as grand marshal, with every school in the district joining in the tribute. 

McCord, who is retiring after 31 years in education, most of them in Gilbert, guided more than 100 parade entries through the Heritage District as thousands of spectators lined Gilbert Road.  

For the longtime educator, the honor marked a fitting close to a career dedicated to students and community. 

“It was an honor and a privilege,” McCord said. “I truly love the town of Gilbert, and the Gilbert Days Parade is a staple for Gilbert Public Schools. For me to be the grand marshal is a wonderful way to celebrate our community and our schools.” 

McCord was joined by his family and district leaders at the front of the parade, while Gilbert Public Schools made its presence felt throughout the event. All 39 schools participated, including four marching bands from Campo Verde, Gilbert, Mesquite and Highland high schools, adding music and energy to the morning. 

The district’s float, designed and built by students at Desert Ridge High School, carried governing board members Jill Humpherys and Jesse Brainard. Each year, one high school is selected to create a float representing all Gilbert Public Schools, and this year’s students embraced the parade’s theme, “Out of This World.” 

Their design featured a bright yellow school bus blasting off into space, inspired by “The Magic School Bus” book series.  

Logos from all district schools were incorporated, with high school emblems displayed on the bus and elementary schools represented on the back. A message reading “Over the Ridge, Out of This World” tied the concept together. 

“I am so proud of our students and the work that they put into building the float,” said Megan Ament, assistant principal at Desert Ridge High. “Throughout the process, we had students from several different clubs come to help, which really helped build a strong community.” 

For families, the parade offered a chance to see their students shine.  

“It’s always exciting this time of year,” said David Baca, whose daughter is a junior in the Highland High marching band. “We just wrapped up marching band season, so the parade is a chance to celebrate that and highlight the great things our schools are doing.” 

Gilbert Days has been a tradition since 1957, when the parade celebrated the paving of Gilbert Road. This year, it honored McCord’s leadership and showcased the district’s role in the community — a fitting tribute as he prepares to close a chapter in Gilbert Public Schools history.