Employees and Community Honor the Legacy of Governing Board President Sheila Uggetti

Governing Board President and GPS leader Sheila Uggetti passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, leaving a powerful legacy in the district and public education as a whole. On Tuesday, September 17th employees across the district will be wearing green for Sheila, representing her favorite holiday, St.Patrick’s Day, and an opportunity to honor a true friend who was an inspiration to so many, in education and life.

Sheila spent over 50 years serving her local community in public education, 40 of those years as an employee of Gilbert Public Schools. She was a teacher of Special Education and regular education for 17 years. She also served as an Interim HR Director at the beginning of the phenomenal growth in Gilbert and for 21 years she was the Principal of Gilbert Elementary School. In 2010 Sheila moved back to her hometown of Douglas, Arizona, where she served as Superintendent of Douglas School District until her retirement in 2015. During the 2015-2016 school year, she worked with ASU mentoring principals and served as a substitute principal for GPS. Sheila received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from ASU. She also spent 8 years as an adjunct professor for NAU. Sheila was first elected to the Gilbert School District Governing Board in 2016 and was appointed in 2020 when there were only three candidates for three seats. For the 2024/25 school year, Sheila was serving in the role of Governing Board President.

“Sheila committed her entire life to public education. To say she was a champion for students, educators and families would be an understatement.  Her impact on our community was tremendous and her ability to listen and care for people was unmatched.   She was a true hero in every sense of the word.” Superintendent, Dr. McCord