Nebo Appoints Principals

Sara Matis Appointed Principal of the New Maple Ridge Elementary

The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Sara Matis to be principal and open the new Maple Ridge Elementary. Mrs. Matis earned her bachelor’s degree with an English Major and Political Science Minor as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership all from Brigham Young University.

Most recently, Mrs. Matis has served as principal at Westside Elementary for the past  eight years. She was the principal at Park View Elementary for four years. Mrs. Matis served as an administrative intern at Taylor Elementary, Springville Junior and Brookside Elementary as well as an administrative assistant at Mapleton Elementary. She taught sixth- and seventh-grade English and sixth-grade mathematics at Spanish Fork Middle for four years. 

Sara received the PEAK Award, Crystal Apple Award, and is a three-time Nebo National Distinguished Principal. She quoted Superintendent Rick Nielsen, “We show our love for students not only by praise, smiles, and encouragement, but by best the materials and instruction that we can provide."

A colleague said, “Sara is a true professional who is continually on the forefront of innovative school leadership. She is willing to share her talents freely with others and has served on numerous curriculum and leadership committees. Sara knows and understands sound, effective instructional practices. Her greatest strength is her ability to inspire and lead others in accomplishing the goals of school improvement.”

One of Sara’s favorite quotes is by Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 

Sara said, “What an honor it is to work in Nebo School District and rub shoulders with such outstanding individuals.  I appreciate all of my colleagues and the outstanding educators, students, and patrons we enjoy working with each day.  I am amazed daily by the dedication of classroom teachers and staff and the caliber of students, parents, and community members that champion our educational goals!”

Sara is married to Bill, and they have two fantastic and talented children.

Spencer Sainsbury Appointed Principal of Westside Elementary
With the vacancy left at Westside Elementary, the Nebo Board of Education appointed Spencer Sainsbury as the principal of Westside Elementary. Mr. Sainsbury received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education Administration both from Brigham Young University.

Mr. Sainsbury opened Spring Lake Elementary and has served as principal for the past 13 years. He served as principal for Park View Elementary and had experience as a school facilitator at Mt. Loafer Elementary. Mr. Sainsbury taught fifth grade at Taylor Elementary for 10 years.

Mr. Sainsbury has been nominated for Innovator of the Year for Nebo School District. He said, “I’ve got the best job on earth. I get to work with students and teachers. We plan for student growth and success. I provide a safe and caring environment for students to be educationally successful and lifelong learners.”

A colleague said, “Spencer is a person of integrity–honest, sensitive, caring, diplomatic and approachable. He uses good judgment consistently whether dealing with sensitive issues and using personal initiative for completing tasks. Spencer is a favorite of parents, students and teachers. He has a way of making everyone feel important.”

Spencer enjoys gardening, yard work, and sports. He is married to Julie, and they have eight children and twelve grandchildren.

Frank Daybell Appointed Principal of Spring Lake Elementary
With the vacancy left at Spring Lake Elementary, the Nebo Board of Education appointed Frank Daybell as Spring Lake’s new principal. Mr. Daybell received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree in Administrative Education from Southern Utah University.

For the past six years, Mr. Daybell has served as principal at Taylor Elementary. He served as the instructional coach at Goshen Elementary and taught at Sage Creek Elementary for six years. Mr. Daybell was selected as Sam’s Teacher of the Year in 2007. Currently, he serves on the Nebo Education Foundation.

Frank said, “I have loved every minute of my time at Taylor. I was welcomed by the staff, students, and parents. Being a principal has allowed me into the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people. I hope I have been able to touch their lives in a special way that they have touched mine. I am a better father, husband, son, and person because of the people I have met at Taylor. I am proud of all that my staff and students have accomplished in the six years I have been there. What I will miss the most are the students. I can honestly say there is not a student that I've had that I didn't care about and love with all of my heart. Taylor School is a great place to be.”

Mr. Daybell’s colleagues said, “Frank is successful in establishing a genuine and positive relationship with those he teaches and those with whom he works. He genuinely cares about each individual and makes everyone feel as though they are the most important person in the world. He consistently shows exceptional management techniques with some of our most difficult students. Frank is an extra-miler in every respect and is willing to undertake any assignment that he is given. But his first priority, in all that he does, is kids.” 

Frank stated, “No one has had more influence on me on how to work and treat people than my parents. They created an atmosphere in our home that made others want to be there. I have tried to create this atmosphere in my school and give my students and staff a safe and warm place to be. I believe treat everyone the way you want your mom, wife, and children to be treated. My wife Angie has always been my biggest supporter. I would not be living the life I'm living without her support and love.  We've been married 21 years, and that is still the best decision I have ever made. The principals and other administrators in Nebo inspire me every day. The work they do and the concern they show for everyone they serve reminds me of the honor it is to be in such a great district. I appreciate the friendships and support that they have given to me.”

Frank has been involved in scouting and coaching. He is a Hunter Education Instructor and enjoys fishing, hunting, metal detecting, training dogs, cooking and attending his children’s activities. Frank is married to Angie, and they have five children.

Billi Robbins Appointed Principal of Taylor Elementary
With the vacancy left at Taylor Elementary, the Nebo Board of Education appointed Billi Robbins as the principal at Taylor Elementary. Mrs. Robbins received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in Education Administration through the Leadership Preparation Program (LPP) from Brigham Young University.

Currently, Mrs. Robbins is the Dean of Students at Mt. Nebo Junior. She served as an intern at Payson High School and Diamond Fork Junior. Mrs. Robbins also served as Staff Developer for four years at Rees Elementary and four years at Goshen Elementary. She taught kindergarten, third and fourth grades and started her career teaching first and third grades in Smyrna, North Carolina. 

Mrs. Robbin’s philosophy of education leadership: “It is my hope that all stakeholders will describe me as a servant leader. I will create a professional, safe, secure, and encouraging work environment. The four C’s that I value deeply are: Character, Competence, Courage, and Collaboration. I will never lose focus on the most important thing that matters most... STUDENTS!

Administrators said, “Billi possesses great leadership skills that will strengthen and bring unity to her staff as she serves as a school administrator. These skills and abilities include effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, solid organizational skills, the ability to highly motivate and inspire others, and a continual commitment to build effective collaboration and collective capacity throughout the school. Billi’s teaching pedagogy is up-to-date. She was instrumental in creating the reading program we still use with our struggling students today.” 

Billi said, “Since entering administration my motto has been, ‘They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’  I truly care about the success of teachers and students. Someone who has taught me this great characteristic is Mike Larsen. Working with Mike, I learned how to lead a school successfully by genuinely caring about everyone I work with.”

Billi enjoys playing softball and golf and watching her husband and children play sports. Billi loves spending quality time with her family and relaxing at the beach playing water sports.  Billi is married to Brett, and they have three children.