In a poetic address at Tuesday night’s Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board meeting, Superintendent Shane McCord surprised attendees by announcing his impending retirement.
The announcement came during the superintendent’s report — a moment typically reserved for standard updates — but McCord opted instead to share a personal poem that reflected on the past year and his career.
“Instead of a report, I've got a poem,” McCord began. “Nobody roll their eyes.”
His poem touched on the achievements and challenges of the district over the past year, noting milestones, student success and community support. He praised the passage of the budget override, the implementation of safety measures in high schools and the upcoming graduation of nearly 3,000 students.
“We accomplished so much and left a few things to do,” he said as he read from his prepared lines. “There's never enough time for our students or for all of you.”
McCord’s words acknowledged the loss of community members, expressed gratitude to district employees, and offered encouragement for rest and rejuvenation over the summer break.
“But alas next year will be my last one,” McCord read, confirming that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
He concluded his report by encouraging staff to care for themselves and prepare for the year ahead: “Finishing strong, doing what I know you do best. Make time for yourself, play hard, and then get some rest. Enjoy your summer. Be safe, and we'll see you next school year. That concludes my report.”
McCord has served in education for three decades and has led Gilbert Public Schools since 2017. His tenure included guiding the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding academic and safety initiatives, and navigating the complexities of public education funding.
The district has not yet settled any plans on a replacement search, spokesperson Dawn Mackey said.
We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him @sp_blodgett on X.
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).
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