Heavy machinery is leveling the site of the future Troy Gilbert Elementary School as construction moves forward toward its planned August 2026 opening.
Crews are preparing the ground for cement footers, marking one of the first major steps in building what will be the Litchfield Elementary School District’s 17th campus at the intersection of Perryville Road and Glendale Avenue.
District officials say each construction phase brings them closer to welcoming students for the 2026-27 academic year.
The campus is named in honor of U.S. Air Force Maj. Troy Gilbert, an F-16 pilot who died in 2006 during a mission near Baghdad, Iraq. Gilbert, a father of five, was stationed at nearby Luke Air Force Base and had two children attend Corte Sierra Elementary School.
“We are proud to name our newest school after an American hero whose selfless service and commitment to our country reflect the values that resonate in our school district and are seen in the characteristics of the Litchfield Learner,” Superintendent Carter Davidson said during the groundbreaking.
Principal Luke Jankee said community input was central to the naming process. “After reviewing community feedback, we had two worthy candidate namesakes,” Jankee said. “However, we are honored to move forward with Troy Gilbert Elementary School. His name embodies the characteristics of excellence, service, and integrity that LESD79 strives to instill in our students.”
In addition to construction, the district is developing the school’s identity, including the design of its Aviators mascot.
Officials say the campus will serve as both a center for academic learning and a symbol of community values.
The district will provide additional updates on Troy Gilbert Elementary and other projects during the district’s governing board meeting at Litchfield Elementary School, 255 E Wigwam Blvd. 6 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 12.
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