GILBERT, Ariz. (July 2, 2024) - The Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) family is excited to announce the appointment of six principals who will be leading various campuses in the upcoming 2024 - 2025 school year. These dedicated educators bring a wealth of experience and a passion poised for continued student success and growth.

Lucas Blackburn, Principal at Gilbert High
Throughout his career with Gilbert Public Schools, Lucas Blackburn has served in various capacities, from science teacher to elementary school principal. Now, he's excited to join an amazing staff and student body, leading a school full of history and tradition. Blackburn is eager to build strong relationships with both staff and students, fostering an environment where students feel valued and empowered. He firmly believes that the entire 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, Principal at Burk Elementary School
Katrina Gruse brings a wealth of experience and a passion for servant leadership to Burk Elementary. Throughout her career, Gruse has championed student success in various roles, from middle school teacher in Virginia to Assistant Principal at Greenfield Elementary. Katrina 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. She firmly believes that collaboration between parents, teachers, staff, and the broader community is essential to ensuring every Bobcat receives the best possible education.

Brian Lockwood, Principal at Greenfield Elementary
As its new principal, Brian Lockwood is committed to upholding Greenfield Elementary’s reputation for nurturing innovation and community collaboration. As a proud Gilbert native and Mesquite High School graduate, Brian is excited to be "back home" and contribute to the success of Greenfield students. He believes in building strong relationships with staff, students, and parents, and has plans to connect with the Greenfield Elementary community before the school year begins. 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, Principal at 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, Chip brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Patterson. 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. Chip 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, Chip is excited to reconnect with the Patterson community and collaborate with parents, staff, and local residents to ensure a bright future for this cherished elementary school.

Kshama Rosales, Principal at 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. Dr. Rosales understands that Towne Meadows is a special place to be. She 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. Dr. Rosales is excited to partner with the Timberwolf students, staff, and community to ensure a vibrant and successful learning experience for all.

Scott Smith, Principal at Desert Ridge High
Scott Smith, a native Oregonian who has embraced 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 is passionate about fostering a collaborative school environment where parents, students, and staff all have a voice in the decision-making process. He believes that by working together, the Desert Ridge community can achieve outstanding academic results while also cultivating a vibrant school spirit. 

Gilbert Public Schools is pleased to welcome these principals for the upcoming school year. To learn more about these principals and to stay up to date with back to school information, visit GilbertSchools.net.