Gilbert Public Schools marks 113 years of history

Gilbert Public Schools is marking its 113th year in 2026, highlighting more than a century of growth that began with a four‑classroom elementary school and has evolved into one of Arizona’s largest public school districts.

The district was founded in 1913 with the opening of Gilbert Elementary School, which served about 85 students. The original campus now houses HD South, Gilbert’s historical museum.

High school instruction began in 1915 at Gilbert Elementary, and Gilbert High School celebrated its first graduation in 1918 with four students. The former high school campus now serves as the district office.

In 1925, the district launched bus transportation, replacing travel by horseback or horse‑drawn wagons. The fleet now includes 190 buses transporting more than 7,000 students daily.

Gilbert High’s FFA program earned statewide recognition in 1935 with a livestock judging win that led to national competition. The chapter continued its legacy with a three‑star national award in 2025.

District growth in the 1940s prompted new classroom buildings and expanded athletic facilities, including a new gymnasium at Gilbert High. In 1955, rancher Marvin Morrison joined the school board, where he served for 14 years. Today, seven district schools serve the Morrison Ranch community.

In the early 1960s, Gilbert High’s FFA earned a National Gold Emblem, one of the top honors available at the time. The district’s first girls state championship under the Arizona Interscholastic Association came in 1972, when Gilbert High’s volleyball team completed an undefeated season.

Significant expansion occurred under Superintendent Wally Delecki, who served from 1981 to 2001 and oversaw the opening of 16 schools.

The district’s footprint grew into Mesa with the 1991 opening of Harris Elementary as Gilbert Public Schools grew to 10 campuses in the city.

In 2000, the district joined the Gilbert Sister Cities student exchange program, sending students to Northern Ireland. China was added as a destination in 2010.

Gilbert Public Schools was ranked the fourth‑best school district in the nation in 2018 by the National Council for Home Safety and Security.

Today, the district serves more than 31,000 students and employs more than 4,500 staff across 39 schools. For the 2025–26 school year, 32 schools earned A ratings from the Arizona Department of Education, and 13 received A+ School of Excellence awards from the Arizona Educational Foundation.