Two exceptional leaders within the Gilbert Public Schools district have recently garnered significant state and county recognition, celebrated for their outstanding dedication to fostering thriving school environments and achieving remarkable educational outcomes. Their innovative leadership has not only enhanced student achievement but also cultivated positive staff morale and robust school communities, setting a high standard for academic excellence across Arizona.
Jim Leeper, the esteemed principal of Boulder Creek Elementary, proudly received the Arizona School Administrators’ Distinguished Administrator Award, a statewide honor that underscores his profound impact on student success and his unwavering commitment to creating an engaging school culture. This prestigious award acknowledges leaders who demonstrate exemplary qualities in shaping educational landscapes and inspiring their teams.
Under Principal Leeper’s guidance, Boulder Creek Elementary has undergone a remarkable transformation, elevating its letter grade from a “C” to a coveted “A” from the Arizona Department of Education. This academic resurgence is further highlighted by the school’s recent acquisition of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s A+ School of Excellence Award, a testament to the strong campus culture and high expectations fostered by his leadership.
Leeper himself expressed deep humility regarding the recognition, emphasizing a collaborative approach where success is attributed to the collective efforts of his entire staff. He firmly believes in the shared responsibility of fostering growth, stating, “I’m surrounded by so many good people, and I truly believe any one of my colleagues could have received this honor.” This sentiment is echoed by his staff, who value his consistent support and encouragement in their professional development.
Concurrently, Tyler Dumas, the visionary principal of Campo Verde High School, was honored with the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Exemplary Principal Award. This county-level accolade celebrates his success in cultivating a vibrant school culture, promoting high morale among both students and staff, and forging strong, impactful ties within the wider community, reflecting his dedication to comprehensive school development.
Principal Dumas attributes the flourishing campus culture at Campo Verde to a team of “selfless leaders” who operate as “force multipliers,” united by a shared vision of prioritizing student well-being and fostering a supportive environment for all school personnel. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collective responsibility and a deep-seated commitment to caring for others within the school community.
A hallmark of Dumas’s leadership is his steadfast commitment to internal leadership development, where he actively mentors educators and provides ample opportunities for them to transition into various leadership capacities, from curriculum development to administrative roles. This proactive approach ensures a continuous pipeline of skilled leaders, reflecting the school’s pride in its staff’s advancement, even if it leads to new opportunities beyond the campus.
The district affirms that the accomplishments of both principals are direct reflections of their profound impact on student achievement, staff cohesion, and the overall positive school environment within their respective campuses. Their leadership serves as an inspiring example of how dedicated educational leaders can fundamentally transform public school communities, driving academic excellence and fostering thriving, supportive atmospheres for learning and growth.
