Gilbert Public Schools District staff members who are also parents of students in the district have shared their perspectives on what it means to be part of the “GPS Family.” In a series of interviews, these employees described a culture that emphasizes personal connection and support across all campuses.
Many staff members highlighted the district’s ability to maintain a “small-town feel” despite growth in both Gilbert and Mesa. Jami Hagen, a math teacher at Greenfield Junior High, said this atmosphere makes GPS feel “more homegrown” compared to other places where staff might “feel like a number.”
Personal connections are central to the sense of community within GPS schools. Brianna Melo, a Licensed Practical Nurse at Towne Meadows Elementary, said, “There was a genuine warmth and kindness that made us feel like we had arrived in the right place at the right time. It wasn’t just about enrolling at a new school – it was about becoming part of a community that truly cares.”
John Karoly, who teaches Physical Education at several elementary schools in the district, echoed this sentiment by saying the school “just felt like home.” Erica Karoly, Assistant Principal at Oak Tree Elementary and John’s wife, added, “Every school has a unique personality to it, but you can tell they all work together towards one common goal for our students.” Jami Hagen described her campus as her “second home,” attributing this feeling to accessible administrators. Dr. Ryan Darrow, Special Education teacher at Desert Ridge High School, stated: “The district office, the Desert Ridge High School administration, the social studies department, and my colleagues… all went out of their way to help me acclimate when I joined the school midyear.”
Some families have chosen GPS specifically for its culture. Melanie Paeto commutes from outside the district so her children can attend GPS schools. John and Erica Karoly moved from Pennsylvania with their three children after researching Gilbert from afar. They said: “It was just a really tight-knit community of people working together.” The family toured Oak Tree Elementary before enrolling and found an environment they quickly connected with. “It was always going to be Gilbert… the community just felt very home-like,” they added.
Staff also pointed out opportunities for growth provided by GPS. Erica Karoly said the district “offers so many opportunities for a child in the classroom and outside the classroom.” Dr. Darrow credited this supportive environment with his son’s success in powerlifting and his own professional development while teaching: he was able to earn his master’s degree with administrative support prioritizing family needs.
Shelley Bartholomew, SPICE Paraprofessional for 12 years at GPS, described how staff care for each other: “Everybody cares. They take the time to stop, find out what the problem is, and how they can help.”
Several interviewees noted that even those who leave often return because of this welcoming environment. Melanie Paeto reflected on her decision to come back after working elsewhere: “I had one year where I went to see if the grass was greener somewhere else. I decided to come back to GPS and was welcomed with open arms.” Generational ties are strong; Jami Hagen has worked over 25 years in GPS after attending its schools herself—her son now teaches alongside her.
The culture is rooted in four values: Connect, Create, Care, and Contribute—a theme repeated by all participants as essential aspects of life within GPS.
During interviews about their experiences with Gilbert Public Schools District culture—whether as educators or parents—staff consistently used one word: “Welcoming.” Kelly Munguia from Quartz Hill Elementary summarized: “It’s supportive. I feel like they care, and they would have welcomed us in no matter where we had come from.”
More information about Gilbert Public Schools District culture is available on their website (https://www.gilbertschools.net/about), along with details about individual schools and enrollment (https://www.gilbertschools.net/our-schools).
