El Dorado Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Gilson as the new principal of El Dorado High School, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year.
Gilson brings with him over two decades of experience in education, including leadership roles, coaching and classroom teaching that span a wide range of school settings. His career reflects a deep commitment to building strong relationships, fostering student growth, and supporting professional learning among staff.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Gilson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education – Social Science in 1998, followed by a Master’s Degree in PreK–12 Educational Administration in 2012.
He most recently taught Social Studies at Maize High School from 2023 to 2025. Prior to that, he served as the principal at Belle Plaine High School from 2018 to 2023, and as a principal and teacher with Orion Education and Training at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Facility from 2016 to 2018. Earlier in his administrative career, he led Ainsworth Community Schools in Nebraska as the 7–12 Principal from 2012 to 2015.
Gilson began his career in the classroom, teaching 7–12 Social Studies for four years at Callaway Public Schools and spending five years at Lewiston Consolidated School, helping shape young minds while actively contributing to school athletics and extracurricular programs.
When applying for the El Dorado High School Principal opening, Gilson researched the school and visited El Dorado to get a feel for the town.
“I was impressed with all of the initiatives and programs the district partners with the community to put into place to provide opportunities for the students,” Gilson said. “Driving around El Dorado, you can tell that the city and schools are working hard to make it one community, maintaining its history while also planning and developing for the future.”
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Richard Gilson to El Dorado High School. We look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring to our students and staff in the years ahead.
