August 10, 2023
Gilbert Superintendent Dr. Christine Trujillo had the honor and privilege to be a panelist at the State of Education event sponsored by Iowa State University this morning at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. She was joined by her friends and colleagues Dr. Julious Lawson, Superintendent at Ames Community School District, and Julie Trepa, Superintendent at Boone Community School District, and they covered a wide range of topics.
A large group of area business leaders — including Gilbert School Board President Andrew Ricklefs — was in attendance for the event, which Dr. Laura Jolly, Dean of the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University, presided over.
All three panelists were articulate and advocated for their students, staff, and school districts in incredible ways.
Among the topics included in the event were infrastructure projects in each of the school districts, how recent legislation has impacted the school districts, information on staffing issues as the state continues to face a shortage of teachers, and student issues, such as how the school leaders are addressing the needs of kids entering the 2023-24 school year.
This may sound a little biased (because it is), but Dr. Trujillo is a rock star when it comes to public speaking and detailing the incredible work by our students, our staff, and our entire community.
Dr. Trujillo explained in detail about the multiple upgrades she hopes to see within our district with the upcoming bond initiative, highlighted by a new elementary building that will replace the existing structure.
“We’re excited in Gilbert because we’re seeing growth,” she said. “Each of our buildings will benefit in different ways and we’re really excited to provide that for our community.”
Dr. Trujillo also emphasized the importance of building partnerships within our community. Gilbert CSD is eternally grateful for the tremendous support from the Gilbert community and local businesses, and she said that help can go both ways.
“It’s a two-way street,” Dr. Trujillo told the roomful of attendees. “We have tremendous support … but what can we also do that supports your business? What can we figure out together? Supporting our kids and supporting our community makes both things better.”
Thank you to the Ames Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event. Thank you to Iowa State University for sponsoring this event. Thank you to so many of our business leaders for taking time out of their morning to attend, engage, and ask really good questions. And thank you to all for providing Dr. Trujillo and Gilbert Schools a platform to speak on behalf of our entire district.
