001Hurry up, Marcy. All right, we're going to go ahead and get started. I'll call this meeting to order. We want to welcome everybody that's here tonight. Uh, and also everybody that's joining us online. Uh, I it's not really that big of a deal. So, I don't know why there's so many people here tonight, but let's wrap this up quick cuz it's getting late and I got to get home for dinner. So, no, I'm kidding. This is a very very uh special evening and we're we're so excited that you're all here to share this with us. Thank you very much for being here. I'll ask Miss Wilson to do roll call, please. >> Mr. Chad Thompson >> here. >> Miss Shaya Murray >> here. >> Dr. Blake Robersonson >> here. >> Miss Jill Humphre >> here.
002>> Mr. Jesse Brainard >> here. >> Mr. President, all board members are present. You have a quorum. >> Thank you, Miss Wilson. Well, we'll get to our one and only action item tonight. Uh discussion and possible action to approve Dr. Jared Ryan as superintendent of Gilbert schools for the 2026 2027 school year. The governing board may take action to approve Dr. Jared Ryan as the superintendent of Gilbert schools pending the execution of a superintendent contract. Is there a motion? >> I move that we um approve Dr. Jared Ryan as superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools for the 2026 2027 school year. Thank you, Miss Humphre. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Murray. Is there any discussion amongst the board? >> Yeah, I I want to say a couple things. Um, I had
003a a question. Somebody's like, I I think the newspaper had some of the dates wrong. So, we have had a really good process. We had the search firm come in and we had um uh they met with different groups of people throughout one day. Uh Mr. Thompson met with the parents council, the the teacher council, all those groups and got their feedback and we sent out a survey and we got all of that information back. We went through a process of um looking at résumés. I I spent a lot of time looking at resumes. I can't speak for anybody else. And then we did a process with the superintendent search firm of parring those down to candidates that we would interview. We had some really, really great interviews. And um although I've done a lot
004of superintendent hires, this was the easiest one for the board to come together and decide on. And I was very pleased by that. And I just want to say for myself personally, a few things on my list was I wanted someone that had classroom experience and that was an educator because I just really think the best superintendent remember what it's like to be in the classroom and how much how hard teachers work and what a load that is for them to carry. Um, another was that I wanted us to have a 5-0 vote. I think it's really important for all of us to be here and to um give that support to whomever is coming into this new role as superintendent. And the thing I heard from when I asked people and to me it
005was a bonus, but it's a nice bonus. Um people said, "I'd like somebody that knows Gilbert." And I would say that Dr. Ryan came in and did a a master job on his interview. um really uh answered the questions well, gave us lots of information, and I'm just really proud and excited and um this is actually the first internal hire since Dr. Allison was hired in about because if you remember, Dr. McCord was in Mesa when he came to interview. So, he was not an internal candidate. So, so I I think you know somebody will be like, "Oh, another internal hire." Well, we haven't done an internal hire for a long time and I'm really excited about that. So, anyone else want to speak? I just think um I'm thrilled to be here and I
006know we're going to go forward in a very positive way and build on what Dr. McCord has done for us. and just to say we're really sad to see him go because I think that we have accomplished a lot in these last eight years. >> Yeah. So, I'll I'll keep it short, but just a couple things. I I did want to just touch on that. Uh there'll be another night and other opportunities, but I did want to just thank Dr. McCord, and it's it's big shoes to fill. I know Dr. Ryan knows that. and and just as Jill said that we had some really great candidates and some really great interviews. With that said, I I mean it Dr. Ryan separated himself. I mean it was a stellar process. Um and uh and we were
007so excited. It was an easy decision and and I think part of the reason why it's such an easy decision was because of the of the great place that Gilbert Public Schools is in and everyone should be proud and and happy, but it's not a caretaker position that he's coming into and and he knows that we have a lot of ambition and think we can take a next step and I know that um we'll do that together with him and so excited. Thank you. I'll go next. Um although both my fellow board members did a really good job of summing up a lot of the process, it's all true. Um I feel really honored and privileged to be a part of the process. I'm really um I was really happy to go through all of
008the steps that we went through and see a thorough process followed through and um Dr. Ryan really did do a fantastic job and um I'm really excited to work with you and see what what um you hold for Gilbert in the future. >> I just want to say, you know, I appreciate that, you know, the community's input in this decision and the surveys that we took and the conversations held as well as the work we've done together as a board. You know, I think we spent a lot of time, a lot of focus understanding how important this decision is for the future of Gilbert public schools. Um, I think Dr. Ryan separated himself and, you know, as a lifelong resident of Gilbert, as a student, I think it's important for someone who understands our community
009and excited to see where we go from here with Dr. Ryan. >> Thank you. So, Dr. Ryan, I'd like you to look around the room and I see I see family. I see friends. I see teachers, administrators, uh, former board members, and they're all here tonight for you. And that's a lot of pressure. But >> thank you. >> I want you to look at it. I want you to look at a little different. One thing that I've learned in serving on the board uh for the past few years is that GPS is truly a family. And these are all your family members and they want nothing but the best for you. But more importantly, a district is not one person. All these people want what's best for GPS. and and we believe that with with
010your leadership and with their support, that's what's best for GPS and that's what's best for our kids and for our teachers and for everybody, all the parents, our community. And so, uh, we're very, like Miss Murray said, we're very excited to see what the future holds and how, uh, how your leadership is going to take us there. I'd like to, uh, Dr. McCord has asked to say a few words before we take a vote. Uh, >> oh, might change your vote. Hold on. Um, when you retire, you decide to retire and you're superintendent, uh, the first question people ask you is, "What are you going to do next? What are you going to do? I don't know what I'm going to do." But the first question the superintendent asks themsself is, "Who's going to take
011my place?" And you have to step back and you have to really think hard because all of a sudden, you're no longer part of that process. And hope does become a strategy in that instance. And my hope was that uh the person we're speaking about tonight, Jared Ryan, is that person. And not just because, you know, it's going to keep things consistent in Gilbert. He's the right person for the job. This he was born to do this job. And so when you step aside and you walk away from something that is basically beside your family, the most dearest thing to your heart, you want to leave it to someone who cares as much as you do. I commend you, governing board, for making that decision. So I'm proud of you. Thank you. Thank you, Dr.
012McCord. If there's nothing else, I'll go ahead and call for the vote. All those in favor of approving Dr. Jared Ryan as superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools for the 2026 2027 school year. Say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? It's unanimous. Congratulations. Feel like we can only go downhill from here. >> Oh, what an honor. um try to not get emotional but you know happens. Um Dr. McCord, President Thompson, governing board members. Um man, thank you all. I am uh deeply honored and grateful to have been selected to serve as the next superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools. GPS, the town of Gilbert, and the city of Mesa hold a special place in my heart. For many years, I've had the privilege of working alongside exceptional educators, dedicated staff, supportive families, and outstanding students who make
013Gilbert a truly remarkable place. I'm humbled by the trust of the governing board that you've placed in me, and I accept this responsibility with both pride and profound sense of purpose. My selection is a testament to the amazing work taking place throughout Gilbert Public Schools. Our bus drivers, food service teams, classroom teachers, support staff, administrators, and district leadership are in the midst of something truly special. My appointment is the absolute celebration of our entire GPS team. It is a belief in our collective work and an opportunity to reach an entirely new level of achievement together. I truly love Gilbert Public Schools and all that we stand for together. As a collective whole, we're in the midst of unprecedented academic growth. From increases in elementary literacy and math proficiency to the expansion of advanced learning programs,
014this is a special time in our history. The level of performance while simultaneously enhancing safety measures, improving operational efficiencies, and making fiscally responsible decisions to ensure long-term sustainability is just part of the reason why over 30,000 students choose to call this home. Gilbert Public Schools is on the verge of something extraordinary. The momentum we have built together through strategic decision-making and unwavering focus on students and a commitment to continuous improvement has positioned our district as a model of excellence across Arizona and beyond. I'm excited to build on this strong foundation as we continue to expand opportunities, raise achievement, and ensure every student is prepared for a successful future. I want to thank you, the GPS governing board, for your confidence and your shared dedication to maintaining high expectations across our system. Some of the greatest
015mentors in my life have served our community in this capacity, and I understand the responsibility that comes with this role. I'd be remiss if I did not express heart heartfelt gratitude for my wife, Christine, who is so special. Our children, Kennedy, Maguire, and Finley. I glad I put something in here to laugh in just a second, so it'll be good. Um, for their constant encouragement and support. As a matter of fact, about 15 minutes before the final interview that we were just talking about, I received quite an inspirational message from my son. I'm going to read it to you. Good luck, Dad. Remember that you're the goat and interviews are easy work. While I'd never describe that experience as easy work, I did love the last minute confidence boost. My wife Christine has done everything
016possible to afford me the opportunity to fulfill my professional goals. She's my best friend and the person I lean on most. The best times in my life are those when our family is together, regardless of what we're doing or where we are. Today is especially meaningful as we celebrate my oldest daughter, Kennedy, who's working and her 18th birthday. a reminder of why this work matters so deeply to me and all of us who serve students and families. I'm equally grateful for the unwavering support of my mom Ruth, my sister Jenny, who've always encouraged me to take risks and continue to be some of the my biggest cheerleaders. And while my dad Doug is not here physically, I know this moment is only possible because of the type of person he taught me to be. Finally,
017Dr. Accord what you have done for us cannot us all of us cannot be expressed adequately. There are no words to share the level of gratitude and respect we have for you. Over eight years ago GPS was in need of someone to bring us back to our roots to remind us all of what was important and ensure focus was on the employees families and students we serve. You've led us with heart, passion, and care, while also holding firm accountability and pushing us to become a better version of ourselves each day. Under your leadership, we've accomplished more than many thought possible. A true leader in every sense of the word. To you, your wife Kristen, and your boys Ryan and Shawn, thank you for giving your lives to our community. We will all work each day
018to ensure we take all that you've built and leave it better than we found it. Thank you for everything. We all love and respect you more than you'll ever know. It is an honor uh it's the honor of my career to serve in Gilbert public schools in this role. I look forward to working together as we take the next steps in making Gilbert the academic destination for all families. I'd like to end with this. This appointment is not about me. It is never going to be about one person. This is about all of us coming together to accomplish something truly special. fully committed to a cause greater than our own with a 100% focus on the needs of our community. Thank you all. Time to punch. >> Doesn't feel right to end an evening like
019this without a poem. Do you have anything prepared? >> Not yet. You don't want me to do this off the cuff, trust me. >> All right. Uh, thank you all for being here tonight. Like to thank my fellow board members for this uh for this process that we've gone through together. Uh, and let's go ahead and adjourn so that we can congratulate uh Dr. Ryan in person and have some refreshments. Is there a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Dr. Robinson. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Briner. All those in favor of adjournment, say I. >> I. Any opposed? All right, we're adjourned. Thank you very much.