Unite for Education

I proudly support our public schools. Public education is the heart of our community and a basic right for every child. When we fund public schools well, we make sure that every student—rich or poor, with or without special needs—has a safe place to learn and grow. Public schools do more than teach math and reading. They teach children how to share ideas, respect others, and take part in our communities. Our future depends on the success of all our children, not just a few. By standing up for public education, we invest in a fair and strong society for everyone. I hope you will join me in supporting our local students and teachers. Please vote yes for the Gilbert Public school bond.
Elizabeth Brown, Gilbert Tax Payer

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce supports the Gilbert Public Schools bond authorization that will appear on the November 2026 ballot. For nearly 50 years, the Chamber has advocated for policies and investments that strengthen Gilbert’s economy, quality of life, and long-term competitiveness. One of the most important factors in a thriving community is a strong public education system. The proposed bond focuses on maintaining and modernizing existing facilities, improving campus safety and security, upgrading technology infrastructure, and enhancing Career and Technical Education opportunities that help prepare students for future careers. The district has experienced declining enrollment over the past several years and has taken steps to responsibly manage resources by consolidating facilities and reducing operating costs where appropriate. The bond proposal reflects a continued focus on preserving and improving the schools and assets that serve Gilbert families today. The Chamber supports the bond proposal because it aligns with our priorities of workforce development, educational excellence, safety and security, and responsible stewardship of community resources. Investments in students help ensure Gilbert remains a desirable place to live, work, raise a family, and operate a business.
My name is Heidi McFarland and both of my kids were students in the Gilbert School District and graduated from Campo Verde High School. Our experience in public schools was very positive. I have remained an involved parent with both their education as well as what has gone on in the state and the school district over the years. The state of Arizona does not fund public schools appropriately without local community support. Bond debt for Gilbert School District is structured in a way that new bonds sold fill in where debt has been paid off, and this allows GPS to ask voters for approval to sell bonds with a 0% tax rate increase. These bonds will be used, among other things, to provide secure school entries in all elementary and junior high schools, and make every classroom ADA compliant. Gilbert Public Schools has always been transparent with where the community money is used and has only asked for what is needed. It is critical that communities have strong public schools and therefore I fully support the bond that is required by the school district to maintain school buildings, transportation, equipment, etc.
Heidi McFarland, Mother, Education Advocate, Taxpayer

As a retired public educator of forty years, I engaged and invested thirty-one of those years in our Gilbert Public Schools youth, the future stewards of our community, state and nation. It is essential to provide proper education, attention, and care for each student so that they may become self-reliant citizens. Having attended a public education system during my formative years, I know how the education I received has helped me in my career and throughout my life. The Bond authority allows Arizona school districts a level playing field associated with per student funding in Arizona between school districts, charter schools and Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). If GPS had the same capital state funding as charter schools and ESAs, GPS would have $50,000,000 more in capital and would not need to request bonds.
Please vote YES on the bond that will be a 0% increase to the tax rate and provide our students and teachers with a healthy and equitable environment in which to learn and teach.
Ida Gaumitz, Retired GPS Teacher

Support for the bond. For nearly 50 years I’ve been either a student, teacher, parent, community beneficiary, or advocate for Gilbert Public Schools. My experience as a student is invaluable and foundational to me. Even more important was seeing my own children experience that. Gilbert has been the gold standard across every discipline for decades. That is thanks to support from the Gilbert community. As a former music teacher, especially grateful for the music programs that have taught multiple at highest level and have literally transformed the cultural landscape of our community now over makes Gilbert generations. The quality of the schools has always been at the very top of the list as to what administration such a desirable place for families. For several years I worked closely with the as an education advocate. During that time I gained a clear understanding of the district financial structure. The bond is the primary method our community has in saying we want our schools upkeep to be well above average and are willing to commit financially to achieve that by providing capital for bond. and maintenance. Based on the critical piece those funds play in that success, I support this bond.
Jason Barney, Citizen

GPS is distinctly positioned to educate students across the spectrum of abilities, interests, and talents. It is our desire for current Gilbert and Mesa students to receive this exceptional, student-centered, and well-rounded education. For this reason, we will vote YES on the GPS Bond Election this November. Our YES vote continues this local funding that pays for building maintenance and repairs like roofs and HVAC systems, new secure entry ways for elementary and junior high schools, ADA compliance in classrooms, busses and vans, and updated technology infrastructure with no tax rate increase. We know the value of a strong public school system in attracting economic development and preparing our workforce. With continued support for GPS, our students will be prepared graduates, outstanding citizens, and our future leaders. Please join us in voting YES for continuing success!
John Lewis, Former Mayor of Gilbert, father, grandfather, education advocate Gilbert, AZ
Dr. LaCinda Lewis, Ed.D, Former Mesa Community College Instructor, mother, grandmother, education advocate, Gilbert, AZ

As small business owner in Gilbert, I support the Gilbert Public Schools bond authorization. This is a smart and responsible investment in Gilbert’s future. Well performing public schools strengthen the local economy, enhance quality of life, and support long-term community success. This is a key issue when trying to recruit quality folks to move to Gilbert. The proposed bond will help maintain school facilities, improve campus security, upgrade technology infrastructure, and expand Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students for future workforce opportunities. These investments are good for preparing future workers for our company and many others in our community. Why not give our students the tools they need to succeed? Bonds are required for school districts to be properly funded. As a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, I’ve reviewed the expenditures driving this request. I’m confident that the bond authorization represents a smart investment of taxpayer resources. A yes vote helps to keep Gilbert a desirable place to live, work, raise a family, and do business. Please vote YES on Proposition 422.
John Webster

Having taught in Gilbert for 40 years, I know that public schools are the heartbeat of our community and the foundation for our children’s futures. We have a vested interest in protecting the taxpayer- funded assets. GPS manages nearly 5 million square feet of facilities, with a replacement value approaching $2 billion. Maintaining these assets requires responsible investment. GPS is fiscally responsible, directing 56% of funding to the classroom-the highest among surrounding districts. Bond funds will be used for essential upgrades; enhanced security entryways for elementary and junior high schools, critical facilities replacements, and student transportation. The need for this bond highlights a critical state funding issue: if GPS received the same capital funding as ESAs and charter schools, the district would have approximately $50 million more and would not need this request. Local bonds remain the most efficient way to maintain these vital community assets. Crucially, voting YES represents a 0% increase to the Bond tax rate, making this a responsible choice for every Gilbert taxpayer. Vote YES on the Gilbert Bond Election to keep our schools strong without increasing your tax rate.
Kathleen Steger, Gilbert teacher and voter

I hope you will join me in voting yes to support Proposition 422, the Gilbert Public Schools Capital Bond that will be on our ballots this November. As a resident, business owner and father of four GPS graduates, we believe that support for this proposition is vital to continuing the excellence of our Gilbert Public Schools. Gilbert Public Schools has a record of K-12 excellence, and the approval of this Bond will provide funds for critical facility upgrades, technology improvements, extracurricular and career technical education spaces, safety upgrades, and buses/vans. We are proud of our Gilbert Public Schools and would encourage the community to support Proposition 422. Vote Yes!
Kevin De Rosa, Business Owner, Taxpayer

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