Gilbert Public Schools hires Chandler's CTE director

By Tom Blodgett
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The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board has appointed Lindsay Duran as the district’s new director of career and technical education for the 2026-27 school year, replacing longtime CTE leader Doug Daley, who is retiring.

Duran has held the same position with Chandler USD for the past four years. Board members approved the appointment unanimously during its March 3 meeting. 

Before inviting Duran to speak, district leaders publicly recognized Daley’s service to the district and the broader field of career and technical education.

Duran told the board she is looking forward to working with the district’s leadership and school communities as she steps into the role.

“I really appreciate this opportunity,” Duran said. “Very big shoes to fill with Doug retiring. So I am very excited for the opportunity to work with all of you and the leadership here in Gilbert and the teachers and the administration at the site.”

Career and technical education programs in Gilbert Public Schools provide students with pathways in fields ranging from skilled trades and technology to health sciences and business, giving students opportunities to gain workforce-ready skills while still in high school.

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Tom Blodgett
Senior News Editor | Gilbert

tblodgett@iniusa.org

Meet Tom
Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.

Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.

Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism. 

Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.  

Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).