Brad Wolfe to Stay On as Gates Principal

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — Mr. Wolfe is staying a Gates Gator. 

Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is pleased to share that Mr. Brad Wolfe has agreed to stay-on as the Gates Elementary Principal for the 2027-28 school year. 

Mr. Wolfe has been serving as the Gates Interim Principal for the current school year.  Stepping back into the realm of Elementary School leadership has proven to be a welcome home for him.  Through building trusted relationships with the Gates Staff, and supporting Gator students — he’s decided the fun and meaningful work of leading Gates is worth sticking around for. 

“While I originally joined Gates Elementary for just this school year, the incredible connection I’ve formed with the Gates community made me want to extend my time here.” Mr. Wolfe reflected. “I am excited to be staying on as your principal through next school year. Over these two years, my focus is to provide the passionate, steady leadership Gates needs during our building remodel, because I truly enjoy supporting our students and staff in an educational environment.”

Mr. Wolfe served as Principal at Westridge Middle School for 12 years before retiring in May 2023.  Prior to leading Westridge, Wolfe served as Principal at Newell Elementary for 12 years. Throughout his time leading Newell and Westridge he remained a voice of staff support, student achievement, and equity within the district. He also served as the Interim Early Childhood Education Coordinator for our Preschool program this school year while we were in-between leaders. 

Since July 2026 Mr. Wolfe has been serving as the Principal for Gates in an interim capacity.  Now, for at least the next year and a half, Mr. Wolfe can remove the “interim” from his title. 

“Mr. Wolfe has been an outstanding leader in our district for many years.” Matt Fisher, GIPS Superintendent, said. “We have been very fortunate to be able to bring him back into our schools the past couple of years to provide the leadership we needed when we had some late staff movement.  We are thrilled with his decision to remain at the helm for our Gates students and staff.” 

Having Mr. Wolfe continue in the Principal role will be a great benefit to our families, students, and staff as Gates continues its exciting chapter of building renovations and championing student success. 

Congratulations, Mr. Wolfe!