Dr. Michalski is known for her expertise in school improvement and her outgoing passion for public education. She truly believes that every student can reach their individual potential. She has written multimillion-dollar school improvement grants, implemented research-based instructional programs, trained teachers, and has a proven track record of increasing graduation rates and student test scores. Lynnette believes that student success begins in the home and continues in the classroom with supportive teachers. She cares deeply for students, staff, and public education. She has the knowledge and expertise to bring people together for the betterment of students and their ongoing success. She is excited to be joining the Sacaton community and is looking forward to celebrating many accomplishments.

Ms. Ybarra has been a successful educator for the past 35 years as a teacher, principal, director and most recently an executive director for Early Learning and Community Schools in Scottsdale School District.  She has had the opportunity to open two new schools for Gilbert Public School District and Higley Public School District.   She has worked in inner city, rural and suburban schools.  She received her undergrad from New Mexico State University in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education and her masters from Arizona State University in Educational Leadership and Supervisory.  Debbie and her husband Stephen Ybarra (Administrator) have been married 29 years and have three adult children, Jose Joseph graduate from UofA who followed his parent’s footsteps into the education field in special education, Gabriella graduate from ASU in (Hospitality) and Christiano graduate from ASU in Electrical Engineering.  

Mrs. Ybarra has had the opportunity to lead the Elementary Principals for the State as the President of the Arizona School Administrators Elementary Division and held the office of Secretary for ASA Board.  As a principal, her school received the honor of being named the #1 elementary school in the state of Arizona based on their AZMerit test results, along with being named a A+ school of excellence site.  She has trained many educators who have gone on to be Principals, Curriculum Directors, Superintendents and Literacy Coaches but what she is most proud of is the accomplishments of her students and adults that she has worked with.  She believes that if you make each decision on what is best for students then students will always excel.  Relationships are important and students need to believe that adults are there for them always.    

Mr. Benson is excited to be the proud principal of Sacaton Middle School! 

After Mr. Benson graduated from the University of Arizona, he started his teaching career at Baboquivari Unified School District, located on the Tohono O’odham Nation, where he began serving as a fifth grade teacher. During his time as a teacher, Mr. Benson was nominated for the National Teacher of the Year Award by the University of Arizona CIAN department. 

After teaching grades 5^th, 6^th, and eventually teaching and coaching athletics for Baboquivari High School, Mr. Benson moved into administration serving as Dean of Students at Indian Oasis Primary school, and a year later serving as Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Baboquivari High/Middle School. 

After receiving his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Arizona, Mr. Benson went on to serve as the Assistant Principal of Baboquivari High/Middle School for four years prior to accepting the position at Sacaton Middle School. 

Mr. Benson is an advocate for all students and strongly believes all students can learn and achieve at high levels. Mr. Benson believes that students must be active participants throughout their school experience, and that all staff must invest in the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every student. 

Mr. Benson and his school staff are excited to serve the students of Sacaton Middle School… Go Braves!