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Administration

Sarah Barela

Sarah Barela

Principal, Cactus Shadows High School
Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Phone: (480) 575-2401

Mrs. Barela has spent over 20 years in education, all of them within the Arizona public school system. Graduating from Northern Arizona University in 2000 she began her career as a high school English teacher at Sunrise Mountain High School where she also coached the spiritline and was a student government class sponsor.  While teaching, she also attended Northern Arizona University and earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  The 13 years in the classroom and two years as an instructional coach were very formative in her growth as an educator as it provided a solid foundation of quality leadership, curriculum, instruction, and decision making. In 2016, she accepted a job as the Assistant Principal at Saguaro High School.  She spent a year at Saguaro over special education, 504’s, student activities, and testing.  In 2017, she was promoted to the Assistant Principal over Educational Services at Chaparral High School.  She spent her time as a Firebird over seniors, AP, the guidance department, graduation, and master scheduling.     

On a personal note, Mrs. Barela enjoys spending time with her husband and family.  

We are Falcons! 

My focus is to build relationships with the Cactus Shadows learning community.  You will find me out in the mornings, during passing periods and at lunch.  You will see me at school and community events cheering on our Falcons.  Our job is to educate our future.  I will work diligently with our team of teachers, support staff, and district administration to ensure that students leave Cactus Shadows with the education and tools to be successful wherever their dreams and goals take them.

-Principal Sarah Barela