Gilbert Unified board elects Chad Thompson president, names Blake Robinson clerk; adopts meeting schedule and committee assignments

Chad Thompson, a member of the Gilbert Unified District governing board, was elected board president for 2025, and Blake Robinson, a board member, was elected board clerk, the board decided at its organizational meeting Tuesday.

The board also voted to keep regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m., approved Policy 1-301 (Rules of Order), set policy‑committee meetings for the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m., confirmed a set of committee liaisons and appointed Jill Humphreys as the district—s trustee to the formal Employee Benefit Trust.

The organizational actions set leadership, meeting logistics and committee representation that will guide the board—s work in 2025. Board members said they wanted predictable meeting times while retaining flexibility for executive sessions and occasional schedule changes.

At the start of the meeting, Superintendent Dr. McCord reviewed the president—s and clerk—s duties, including that the president "preside over all meetings and conduct meetings in accordance with Arizona law and policies of the district" and that the clerk "keep a record of the proceedings" as outlined in district policy. After a three‑call nomination process, Dr. Blake Robison nominated Chad Thompson, saying, "I'd like to nominate Chad Thompson for board president." The board then voted in favor, with members verbally indicating their support.

On the clerk position the board considered two nominees. Jesse Brainard nominated Jill Humphreys for clerk; Shana Murray nominated Blake Robinson. The first vote for Humphreys did not pass. A subsequent vote resulted in a 3-to-2 tally in favor of Robinson, making him the board clerk for 2025.

Board members then debated regular meeting and policy meeting times. The board approved continuing regular board meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., with the superintendent noting the district will provide advance notice when a particular meeting must start earlier for an executive session. Regarding policy committee meetings, after several proposals and amendments the board agreed to hold policy meetings on the third Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m., with the superintendent and staff indicating they can accommodate the schedule and will provide Zoom options when needed.

The board voted 5-0 to adopt Policy 1-301, "Rules of Order," which sets requirements for motions, seconds, amendments and the vote threshold needed for passage. The policy language read aloud at the meeting specifies that "to pass, a motion requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board members in attendance and voting" and that the board may suspend the rules by majority vote.

The board then discussed committee assignments. The governing board agreed on a slate of committee liaisons: Jill Humphreys as legislative representative with Shana Murray as alternate, Blake Robinson as Town of Gilbert liaison, Shana Murray as City of Mesa liaison, and Jesse Brainard as Gilbert Education Foundation liaison. The board approved the set of assignments by voice vote.

The board also addressed the formal Employee Benefit Trust. Staff clarified the district previously used a VEBA structure and that the formal Employee Benefit Trust is a distinct entity with fiduciary responsibilities requiring a board appointment. After discussion, the board voted to appoint Jill Humphreys as trustee to the formal Employee Benefit Trust and approved that appointment by voice vote.

Members discussed the agenda item called "board committee reports," and after discussion amended the language and placement. The board voted to change the agenda item title to "board reports" but to keep that section at the end of regular board meetings so members could make brief comments without extending the publicly noticed portion of meetings.

A brief business meeting following the organizational session approved the consent agenda by a 5-0 voice vote. The board adjourned after acknowledging two students in the audience who were attending as part of the district—s Aspire program.

Votes at a glance - Board president: Chad Thompson — elected (voice vote; unanimous by verbal aye responses). - Board clerk: Blake Robinson — elected (3 yes, 2 no). - Regular meetings: continue 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. (approved 5-0). - Policy meetings: 3rd Monday at 4:30 p.m. (approved 5-0). - Rules of Order (Policy 1-301): approved (5-0). - Committee assignments: approved (voice vote; unanimous). - Employee Benefit Trust trustee: Jill Humphreys — approved (voice vote; unanimous). - Consent agenda: approved (5-0).

The board indicated it will notify the public in advance if individual meeting start times change to accommodate executive sessions or holidays.