District Information - Get to Know GFW Public Schools

gfw sports banner

gfw circle logo in black and red

Our Story

The communities of Gibbon, Fairfax, and Winthrop began sharing educational resources in 1987 and established the GFW School District in 1992. Still remembering the proud heritage of America’s heartland, GFW Public Schools is renowned for extraordinary educational programs, unequaled by school districts of any size.

GFW is recognized as a regional model for community-based education. Continuous Improvement Teams (CIT) of parents and staff collaborate to identify the needs of students based on data and implement evidence-based practices proven to increase student achievement. The PreK-5th grade Elementary School is located in Gibbon and the 6th-12th grade Middle/High School is in Winthrop.

Students are served in a safe and caring environment. 

Nestled in the prairie of south central Minnesota, GFW students use progressive technology applications such as 1:1 devices, Seesaw and Schoology to access educational resources from around the world. Parents cite small class sizes, school-aged childcare, early childhood programs, and co-curricular programs as the desirable features of the school district. Still responding to the rich promises of the land, the GFW communities enjoy a quality of life that cannot be matched by larger cities.

Students at pep fest

Mission Statement

The Mission of GFW Public Schools is to:

Provide an equitable and quality education that meets the individual needs of our students to thrive in the 21st Century.

Vision Statement

Growing Future World Class Leaders.

View our Strategic Plan
Enroll at GFW Public Schools

We Believe

  • Our school is the heart of a unified community where students and community are interconnected.

  • The foundation of a community of learners requires integrity and mutual respect where all voices are heard, considered, and valued.

  • Education will take place in an inclusive environment with equitable opportunities for a lifetime of learning and earning for students of all backgrounds.

  • In preparing our students for the future by engaging them in learning opportunities that meet their individual needs that are relevant for the 21st Century.

  • Students will reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse society.

Students at their desks

GFW Administrative Team

Superintendent
Dr. Kelly Smith
Email Dr. Smith

Principal, Elementary 
Jennifer Thompson
Email Principal Thompson

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Julie Elmer  
Email Mrs. Elmer

Principal, GFW Middle School/High School
Erin Jacobson
Email Principal Jacobson

Director of Student and Community Programs
Tonia Schiro
Email Mrs. Schiro

Director of Health Services
Danielle Bruns, RN
Email Mrs. Bruns

Chief Financial Officer
Lindsey Heine  
Email Ms. Heine

Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Safety
Brian Weir
Email Mr. Weir

Director of Technology and Online Learning
Wade Werner
Email Mr. Werner

Director of Transportation
Greg Johnson 
Email Mr. Johnson

Student Services Coordinator
Josh Wasmund
Email Mr. Wasmund

Student raising hand

students working together

Student playing at light table

Teacher writing on an easel

School Report Card (Minnesota Department of Education)

The Minnesota Report Card gives you easy access to understandable district and school data. This tool is designed to provide parents, educators, schools, districts and citizens with easy access to important information about schools to help them make decisions and be engaged in the education of Minnesota students. Choose from several reports to learn more about the state of education in your local district, a specific school, or the state as a whole.

School Closings

GFW will also be using the Campus Messenger system to communicate snow day information. parents can receive a phone call when there is a snow day, a late start, or an early dismissal. To sign up for Campus Messenger, contact Wade Werner at 507-207-2207.

School closing or late start announcements are also submitted to the area media WCCO Radio, KNUJ Radio, KLGR Radio, WCCO 4-TV, KSTP 5-TV, KMSP 9-TV and KARE 11-TV. The GFW website top message bar and Campus Messenger are the quickest and most accurate ways to obtain special announcements about GFW.