Six More Nebo Administrative Appointments

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Spencer Sainsbury – Coordinator of Food Services/Warehouse 

The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Spencer Sainsbury as the coordinator of Food Service and Warehouse for Nebo School District.

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 served as principal for 13 years and as principal of Westside Elementary for the past year. He was principal for Park View Elementary and 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. 

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.

Lori Nielsen Pruitt – Principal Westside Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Lori Nielsen Pruitt as the principal of Westside Elementary School.

Lori graduated from Weber State with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Brigham Young University. Lori has been in education for 21 years in Nebo School District. She taught at Park and Canyon Elementary schools. Mrs. Pruitt’s is the principal at Art City Elementary and has served for the past six years.

One principal stated, “Lori strives to cultivate positive interactions with anyone she meets. She is always helpful and personable. Lori has developed trust among students and parents even in potentially hostile situations. She calmly listens to their concerns, discusses options, and together creates a common understanding.”

Lori enjoys reading, camping, swimming, running, and being with her family. She is married to Darrell Pruitt and has five children.

Lisa Muirbrook – Principal Art City Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Lisa Muirbrook as the principal of Art City Elementary School. 

Lisa received her Bachelor’s of Education from Brigham Young University and her master’s of education and administrative endorsement from Southern Utah University.
Mrs. Lisa Muirbrook is the principal at Riverview Elementary and has served for four years. She taught at Brockbank, Wilson, Sage Creek, and Grant Elementary schools. Lisa served as co-facilitator for developing mathematics at BYU.

Principal John Penrod said, “I found that Mrs. Muirbrook demonstrates the talent, skill, and ability to be an outstanding administrator in both elementary and secondary schools, bringing with her a rich background of knowledge and experience. She possesses a talent for working with others, helping them to feel important and relaxed, while working to create a positive learning environment for both students and teachers.”

Lisa’s motto is “I believe every student matters–whether they are a struggling student or gifted student. Each student deserves all we have to offer. Individuals matter!”

Lisa enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling to sunny beaches. She is married to Ladd, and they have four children and three grandchildren.

Angela Killian – Riverview Elementary Principal
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Angela Killian as principal of Riverview Elementary School.

Mrs. Killian taught at Barnett Elementary for 6 years and Mt. Loafer Elementary for 13 years. Mrs. Killian is the principal at Mt. Loafer Elementary and has served for the past 4 years. Mrs. Killian received her master’s of education in administration from Southern Utah University and her bachelor’s in elementary education from Brigham Young University. 

One colleague said, “Angie always seems to have one goal on the top of her list and that is to do what is best for the students! She is honest, hardworking, organized, competent, and kind.”
Mrs. Killian received Teacher of the Year for Nebo School District in 2006.

Angela enjoys collecting memories. She was raised in Payson and is the daughter of Wayne and Marjorie Lindsey. Angela is married to Todd, and they have three children.

Sarah Blackhurst – Principal Mt. Loafer Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Sarah Blackhurst as the principal of the Mt. Loafer Elementary for Nebo School District. 

Mrs. Blackhurst received her master’s degree in education administration from Southern Utah University and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Utah State University. 

Currently Sarah serves as the dean of students at Diamond Fork Junior High. She taught first grade at Spanish Oaks Elementary for four years and at East Meadows for three years. She also served as a facilitator intern at East Meadows and Canyon Elementary. 

Mrs. Blackhurst was honored as Teacher of the Year for 2012 and honored with the Committed to the Future Award for 2008, and a PEAK Performer Award 2015.  

Mrs. Blackhurst’s philosophy states in part, “My philosophy is founded on having the best interest of all students’ in mind first. I believe it is important to help students feel safe and secure, receive the best education, and enjoy learning along their journey. It is important to be on the cutting edge in the field of education and implement technology into the classrooms as well as sty up with the latest in collaboration, instruction and programs.” 

Principal Troy Peterson said, “Sarah is amazing. She is a talented self-starter who makes things happen, never afraid to try something new or to take on a new responsibility. She is thoughtful, creative, outgoing, and a great communicator. Sarah has seamlessly made the transition from elementary to secondary. She is definitely a natural, a consummate educator dedicated to improving the lives of students and teachers.”

One of Mrs. Blackhurst’s favorite quotes is, “It’s  not about what it is. It’s about what it can become,” By Dr. Seuss in The Lorax

Sarah stated, “I am thankful for the examples in my life that have taught me life can become what we want it to be and what we are willing to work for. The examples of leadership and hard work in my life are too many to count. I am thankful for the opportunities given to me throughout my career to explore what it really can become. Every single adult and child I have been fortunate to work with in my career in Nebo School District has empowered and inspired me to continually be searching for what it can become.” 

Sarah enjoys running, skiing, baseball and anything that takes her outdoors with her boys. She is married to Richard, and they have two children.

Ryan Pitcher – Principal Meadow Brook Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Ryan Pitcher as the principal of the new Meadow Brook Elementary for Nebo School District. 

Mr. Pitcher received his master’s degree Education Administration  from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2004, and his bachelor’s degree in Family Science from BYU in 2000. 

Mr. Pitcher is the principal at Rees Elementary and has served for the past five years. He was principal at Barnett Elementary for six years.  Mr. Pitcher received Outstanding Employee in 2005, and Teacher of the Year for Barnett in 2003. 

As a Principal, Mr. Pitcher was honored as a PEAK Award winner, Rookie Principal of the Year, Human Resource Developer of the Year, and Instructional Leader of the Year by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals.

Julie Warren, Elementary Director, said, “Ryan Pitcher is an exceptional school leader.  I am impressed with his dedication to his profession. He loves his job and it shows.  You can always find Ryan out and about in the school. He wants to be where the action is. He can be found playing ball during recess, collaborating with teachers about curriculum, or meeting with parents to discuss the needs of the school. Ryan seeks the input of all school stakeholders as he implements school improvement. One of the aspects that I have enjoyed the most about Ryan’s leadership is his willingness to roll up his sleeves and go to work. If there is a job to be completed, Ryan is in the center of the action.”

Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, building things, and basketball. He is married to Amy, and they have four children.

Attributions
Lana Hiskey