May 21, 2025
Smart. Compassionate. Hard-working. Determined. A leader. And he’s already a Tiger.
It’s a perfect fit.
It is with great excitement that Gilbert Schools announces Wes Onken will be the next assistant principal at Gilbert High School, pending school board approval.
Mr. Onken, who has been a teacher at Gilbert Middle School for the past six years and has served as the middle school activities director for one year, accepted this important leadership role Wednesday afternoon. He will join our tremendous staff of dedicated professionals at the high school on July 1.
“I’m just excited for this opportunity, and I’m excited to reunite with a lot of kids I’ve already taught at the middle school level,” Mr. Onken said of his new role with Gilbert CSD. “The relationships I already have with a lot of these kids, I’m looking forward to building on those, and I’m looking forward to continuing the great work that (current GHS Principal) Cindy (Bassett) and (current GHS Assistant Principal) John (Ronca) have already done.”
A native of Jefferson, Iowa, Mr. Onken has nearly a decade of experience in education. He began his career as an instructor at Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School where he spent three years. Following one year at Norwalk High School, Mr. Onken began his tenure at Gilbert Middle School, first as a sixth-grade math teacher and then as an advanced math and STEM teacher.
Mr. Onken says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Gilbert Middle School and is happy to be staying with the school district in his new leadership role.
“I’m excited I’ll still be in the district and be able to see all of the great things happen (at Gilbert Middle School),” he said.
“We are so excited to welcome Mr. Onken as our new assistant principal at Gilbert High School,” Dr. Trujillo said. “As a Gilbert Tiger, he knows firsthand the pride, tradition, and high expectations that define our district. His connection to our students and his dedication to excellence make Mr. Onken an outstanding fit for this role.”
Dr. Christine Trujillo, Gilbert CSD Superintendent
Gilbert CSD Superintendent Dr. Christine Trujillo says Mr. Onken’s knowledge of the district and dedication to the students made him an outstanding candidate.
“We are so excited to welcome Mr. Onken as our new assistant principal at Gilbert High School,” Dr. Trujillo said. “As a Gilbert Tiger, he knows firsthand the pride, tradition, and high expectations that define our district. His connection to our students and his dedication to excellence make Mr. Onken an outstanding fit for this role.”
Mr. Onken and his wife, Rachel, have three children — a four-year-old daughter, Thea; a three-year-old daughter, Charlotte; and an eight-month old son, Rhett.
Please help us congratulate Mr. Onken, and welcome him to his new leadership role at Gilbert High School.
