Gilbert Public Schools has six new principals for 2024-25

Gilbert Public Schools has appointed six new principals who are leading various campuses for the 2024-25 school year.

Lucas Blackburn, Gilbert High

Throughout his career with Gilbert Public Schools, Lucas Blackburn has served in various capacities, from science teacher to elementary school principal.

Blackburn said he is eager to build strong relationships with staff and students, fostering an environment where students feel valued and empowered.

He said he believes the Gilbert High community, including parents, staff, local residents, and businesses, plays a vital role in student success.

Blackburn is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure every student at Gilbert High has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Katrina Gruse, Burk Elementary School

Katrina Gruse has championed student success in various roles, from middle school teacher in Virginia to assistant principal at Greenfield Elementary.

Gruse said she is particularly excited to build strong relationships within the Burk community. Her vision is to cultivate a welcoming environment where all students feel supported and staff feel empowered to create a fun and engaging learning experience.

Gruse said she believes that collaboration between parents, teachers, staff, and the broader community is essential to ensuring every Bobcat receives the best possible education.

Brian Lockwood, Greenfield Elementary

As its new principal, Brian Lockwood said he is committed to upholding Greenfield Elementary’s reputation for nurturing innovation and community collaboration.

Lockwood is a Gilbert native and Mesquite High School graduate, and Lockwood said he is excited to be "back home" and contribute to the success of Greenfield students.

He said he believes in building strong relationships with staff, students, and parents, and planned to connect with the Greenfield Elementary community before the school year began. Together, they will work towards a shared vision of excellence, ensuring every Gator receives the best possible education within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Chip Pettit, Patterson Elementary

Having walked the halls as a student of Patterson Elementary, Chip Pettit returns to the school as its new principal.

After serving Towne Meadows Elementary as principal for the past 12 years, Pettit brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Patterson. He said he's eager to leverage his expertise to build upon the school's strong foundation and create an environment where today's students can thrive just as he did.

Petit said he is particularly enthusiastic about supporting the ongoing implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme at Patterson, recognizing its potential to foster a lifelong love of learning in its students.

Looking forward, Pettit said he is excited to reconnect with the Patterson community and collaborate with parents, staff, and local residents to ensure a bright future for the elementary school.

Kshama Rosales, Towne Meadows Elementary

As the new principal at Towne Meadows Elementary, Kshama Rosales brings 25 years of experience, 16 of which are with Gilbert Public Schools, encompassing various roles from special education teacher to special education coordinator to dean of students.

Rosales said she understands that Towne Meadows is a special place to be and  looks forward to continuing existing school traditions while establishing new ones that embody the school's mission statement: to "Love, Believe in, Inspire a Love for Learning, and Challenge Students to Grow."

Rosales said she is excited to partner with the Timberwolf students, staff, and community to ensure a vibrant and successful learning experience for all.

Scott Smith, Desert Ridge High

Scott Smith, a native Oregonian who has lived in the East Valley community for the past four years, joins Desert Ridge High School as its new principal.

Smith brings 17 years of experience to Desert Ridge High, which encompasses various positions that include coach, special education teacher, district assistant special education director, assistant principal, and more.

Smith said he is passionate about fostering a collaborative school environment where parents, students, and staff all have a voice in the decision-making process.

He said he believes that by working together, the Desert Ridge community can achieve outstanding academic results while also cultivating a vibrant school spirit.