Teachers laid off in Gilbert asked to return for next school year, while Valley districts hunt for teachers Gilbert Public Schools laid off more than 150 teachers in March because of lack of enrollment. Now, they’re asking some to come back. Author: Colleen Sikora Updated: 5:31 PM MST May 18, 2021 Many of the teachers in Gilbert Public Schools who were told they were being laid off in March are now being offered a contract to work in the district next year. Gilbert Public Schools laid off 152 teachers citing a decline in enrollment during the pandemic. However, districts around the Valley are continuing to hunt for teachers.