GPS Governing Board Announces Dr. Jared Ryan as Superintendent
GPS Governing Board Announces Dr. Jared Ryan as Superintendent
Hailey Borden
At a Special Governing Board meeting on Friday, January 30, 2026, the Governing Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Jared Ryan as the next Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools, beginning in the 2026/27 school year.
Members of the community were invited to attend the public meeting and a community reception immediately following the Governing Board Meeting.
The district has been engaged in a comprehensive process to identify a new Superintendent for Gilbert Public Schools, as Dr. Shane McCord is retiring at the end of this school year.
From the outset in September 2025, this process was designed to prioritize meaningful community input and transparency. Through in-person engagement opportunities and stakeholder surveys, the Governing Board sought to hear directly from staff, parents, and community members about the values, priorities, and leadership qualities deemed most important. All feedback was carefully reviewed and shared with our recruitment partner, McPherson Jacobson LLC, and a detailed summary of community themes was provided to the Governing Board. The Governing Board sincerely thanks everyone who participated and helped shape this important decision.
Community input clearly identified a strong desire for a leader who values open communication, community partnership, and a deep commitment to public education. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership, as well as the ability to build on district successes while addressing ongoing challenges.
The Governing Board reviewed a competitive pool of candidates from across Arizona and the country. The broad search allowed for a comprehensive and thoughtful review of candidate options. A series of interviews followed in January, placing the Governing Board in a strong position to confidently select a leader aligned with the qualities and priorities identified by the community.
Following this extensive, community-informed search process, the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board selected Dr. Jared Ryan as the next Superintendent. It was determined that Dr. Ryan not only aligned with the qualities and priorities identified by our community but that he truly stood out with a proven track record in public education leadership and instruction and a deep understanding of what our district needs to succeed in the future.
Dr. Ryan has served the Gilbert Public Schools community for more than twenty years in a variety of leadership and instructional roles including special education teacher at Greenfield Junior High, a Dean and Principal at Canyon Valley High School, the founding Principal of Campo Verde High School, the Executive Director of Community Education, and for the past three years as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning leading academic growth and continuous improvement across the district. His long-standing commitment to our students, staff, and families aligns closely with the values expressed throughout the community engagement process.
In the months ahead, there will be many opportunities for families and community members to connect with Dr. Ryan and share their perspectives as the district moves forward together. GPS remains committed to maintaining transparency and strengthening the partnership between the district, schools, families, and the community.