November 3rd, 2023
We are pleased to share that Miss Bianca Ayala has been named the new Principal at Gates Elementary School! Miss Ayala will join Gates in January as she makes the transition to her new role in the district.
Bianca Ayala is a familiar face as she has been with GIPS since 2012. Throughout her time with the district Miss Ayala has been a positive, vocal leader of teacher creativity and student advocacy. She served as an English Language Learners Teacher at Howard Elementary for nine years before moving to Barr Middle School as a Newcomer Bilingual Teacher. Most recently, she has been serving as the Academic Support Coach for Barr since August of this year.
In addition to leading classrooms and instruction, Miss Ayala has also served as Barr Yearbook Sponsor, Barr Girls Wrestling Coach, and Barr Social Committee Co-Coordinator.
Ayala was named Grand Island Public Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2018 and Grand Island Chamber of Commerce 35 Under 35 in 2018. She carries a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Spanish from UNK; a Masters of Education in Curriculum Instruction and a Masters in Education Leadership, both from Doane University; and a Reading Specialist Endorsement from Doane as well.
Speaking to this exciting new opportunity, Ayala shared, “I am excited to be joining the Gates Elementary family and commit to building relationships with students, families, and staff. I am also excited about this new opportunity to support the school in its creativity of student learning!”
Miss Ayala will assume the Gates Principal position in January 2024 as Mr. Steve Helgeland, current Gates Principal, is set to resign to be closer to family.
Mr. Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, affirmed the hire, “We are excited to have Miss Ayala step into this new role! She has been a highly successful educator in the roles she has filled in the past. We expect her to bring the same level of commitment and compassion to this leadership position at Gates.”
As Miss Ayala prepares to join Gates, we will be sure to provide opportunities for families and students to connect with her before she joins the school in January.
We are excited to have Miss Ayala bring vibrant energy and wonderful learning opportunities and support to our Gates students, staff, and families!
