Matthew Gilbert is an assistant principal at Verrado High School and adjunct professor at Ottawa University.  This will mark my first year back at Verrado High School as I spent 7 years as a teacher, coach and proud member of the Viper Family.  To be back at Verrado means the world to me; it is where I got my start and I truly feel like I am coming back home.  I am so excited and proud to once again say - “ONE VERRADO!”  

I have over 15 years of experience in higher education, where I’ve taught, coached, mentored, and led across three different districts. My work is rooted in creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that help students think critically and grow into leaders—especially in the areas of school behavior and leadership.

Beyond teaching and research, I’ve been actively involved in CTE, ESS, and leadership groups. My efforts have been recognized with fellowships in CTE, along with honors like Teacher of the Month and Employee of the Year for my contributions to the field.

Favorite Quote : Make someone’s day - Michael Gilbert.  This quote means a lot to me because it’s something my dad always used to say. As a teacher, coach, and leader, it’s become my personal mission to make a positive impact on those around me.

Jared was born in raised in Wisconsin.  He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2005.  After graduation he moved to AZ with his wife, Amy, and started his teaching career at Fowler Elementary School District.  In his 14 years at Fowler he served as a Physical Education teacher and later moved into administration position. While working at Fowler he earned his graduate degree from NAU with a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2010. He has over 20 years experience in education. For the last 6 years he was an administrator for Verrado Middle School in the Litchfield School District.  He is excited to continue to serve the Verrado community.  

Jared also coached for many years. He has coached many sports at many levels.  Jared coached Boys’ Varsity basketball at Verrado for a few years before he became an administrator at Verrado Middle School.   

Jared has a son Jaxon and a daughter Zayla.  He enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on WI sports teams! 

Mr. Barry Cromer began as Verrado's Athletic Director in 2024. A Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA), Mr. Cromer comes to Verrado with a wealth of knowledge and experience as both a coach and, most recently, an Athletic Director in the Payson, Sahuarita, and Queen Creek school districts. In his 6 years at Walden Grove, teams won 16 Region Titles, 4 State Runner Up Titles, and 1 State Title! The 24/25 school year will be his 10th as an Athletic Director, and his 24th in education where he began as a math teacher and coach. Along with leading several high school athletic departments, Mr. Cromer also serves as the Mentoring Committee Chair for the Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association supporting new Athletic Directors. He has also been the Kino Region Rep for the AlA and served on the Baseball advisory committee for the AIA. He is a two-time AD of the Year in the 4A Conference. Mr. Cromer is super excited to start at Verrado and return the school to prominence in the state of Arizona! He is excited to be a part of the Viper family! Mr. Cromer is married to his wife Anna Lea,-and they have two sons, Barry Ill and Michael. He enjoys cooking and playing golf when he has the time.