The Litchfield Elementary School District will open its 17th campus in July, a $41.6 million facility built to serve more than 1,100 students in West Valley.
Troy Gilbert Elementary School, located at 6831 N. Perryville Road, will welcome families at an open house Tuesday, July 28 before classes officially begin for the 2026-27 school year Thursday, July 30.
The K-8 campus honors Air Force Maj. Troy Gilbert, an F-16 pilot stationed at nearby Luke Air Force Base who died in 2006, during a combat mission near Baghdad, Iraq. Gilbert was a local community member and a father of five, including two children who attended the district's Corte Sierra Elementary School at the time of his death.
"Major Gilbert’s legacy of courage, care for his community, and sacrifice will serve as an inspiration to the students and staff of Troy Gilbert Elementary School for generations to come," LESD Superintendent Carter Davidson said.
The 94,386-square-foot campus has a capacity of approximately 1,120 students. Construction was funded through a voter-approved 2023 bond that set aside $48 million for a new western site as part of a larger $100 million district package for security and facility upgrades.
DLR Group designed the school, which was built by CORE Construction. The campus includes a gymnasium and dedicated spaces for art, band, choir and STEM curriculum.
Luke Jankee will serve as the school's inaugural principal. Jankee previously spent 12 years as principal of Verrado Elementary School and three years leading Western Sky Middle School.
The school community selected "Aviators" as the mascot, paired with blue and grey school colors to honor Gilbert's aviation background.
"His name embodies the characteristics of excellence, service, and integrity that LESD strives to instill in our students," Jankee said.
The district will hold a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 28 to celebrate the opening with community members and staff.
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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