Sand Creek Zone Principals

Email: amy.sanchezmartinez@d49.org
 

Amy Sanchez-Martinez is serving District 49 as Principal at Sand Creek High School.

Sanchez-Martinez is eager to demonstrate to the Colorado Springs community that SCHS offers high quality education. She comes to D49 from District 11 where she served Mitchell High School for 18 years as assistant principal, dean of students and master teacher coaching other educators. Sanchez-Martinez completed her master's degree in organizational leadership from Regis University.

"I believe in servant leadership, and District 49's cultural compass enables me to stick to this belief, while learning new skills in a new position," shared Sanchez-Martinez. "I look forward to learning, working and leading alongside everyone in the Sand Creek and D49 community."

Sanchez-Martinez and her husband have four children. They enjoy spending time together at home and in the great outdoors.

Email: amy.sanchezmartinez@d49.org
 

Amanda Pethtel is serving District 49 as Principal at Springs Studio of Academic Excellence.

Pethtel brings 20 years of experience in K-12 education and is excited to continue serving the Springs Studio community, where she has spent the past 10 years supporting students, families, and staff. She earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Butler University and her Principal Licensure from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

As Principal of Springs Studio, Pethtel is passionate about providing a rigorous, relevant, and personalized blended learning experience for students in grades 6-12. She believes in the power of individualized education and is committed to creating an environment where students are supported in reaching their goals through strong relationships and collaboration among students, staff, and families.

"I believe every student deserves an educational experience that recognizes their unique strengths and provides opportunities for success," shared Pethtel. "By working together, we can create a supportive learning environment where students feel connected, challenged, and empowered."

Pethtel and her husband have two grown children, including a son who served in the U.S. Navy and a daughter who graduated from UCCS and works as a medical lab technician. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, playing volleyball, walking her dog, and exploring the Colorado outdoors.

Email: izzy@d49.org
 

Vladislav "Izzy" Izboinikov is serving District 49 as Principal at Pikes Peak Early College.

Izzy is a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience and has proudly served District 49 for the past 15 years in a variety of leadership roles. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and possesses both Principal and Superintendent Licenses.

As Principal of Pikes Peak Early College, Izzy is committed to providing students with a rigorous, flexible, and personalized educational experience that prepares them for success beyond high school. He also serves as the coordinator of District 49’s High Performance Program, supporting student-athletes as they balance advanced academics with elite-level training and competition. His experience as an assistant national coach for USA Wrestling and his work with Olympic-level athletes reflect his commitment to developing students through discipline, perseverance, and opportunity.

Izzy looks forward to continuing to serve Pikes Peak Early College students, families, and staff while building upon the innovative opportunities that make PPEC a unique learning community.

Email: elizabeth.dalzell@d49.org
 

Liz Dalzell is serving District 49 as Principal at Horizon Middle School.

Dalzell’s journey with District 49 began as a second-grade student, and she credits the educators and mentors who supported her along the way for helping shape her path in education. She began her career after earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Northern State University, teaching science at Horizon Middle School and Patriot Learning Center. While teaching, Dalzell earned her Master of Science in Space Studies and later completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Dalzell spent more than a decade serving as Assistant Principal at Horizon Middle School before being named Principal in the spring of 2025. As an educational leader, she is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, advocate for their needs, and develop the skills necessary for success in high school and beyond.

"I believe education is a partnership between students, families, and educators," shared Dalzell. "Together, we can create opportunities for every student to grow, succeed, and become confident contributors to their community."

Dalzell looks forward to continuing to serve the Horizon community by building strong relationships with students, families, and staff while celebrating the accomplishments and experiences that make Horizon Middle School unique.

Email: marcia.case@d49.org
 

Marcia Case is serving District 49 as Principal at Evans Elementary School.

Case is excited to serve the Evans Elementary community and continue building upon the strong, student-centered culture that makes Evans a special place for students, staff, and families. With a focus on relationships, collaboration, and high expectations, Case is committed to ensuring every Wildcat feels welcomed, supported, and proud to be part of the Evans community.

As an educational leader, Case believes in creating learning environments where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Evans Elementary will continue to focus on literacy and math growth while developing instructional practices that meet the individual needs of every student. Building strong partnerships with families and the community will remain a priority as Evans prepares students to become lifelong learners and positive contributors to society.

"I believe every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential," shared Case. "I look forward to partnering with our Evans families and community to celebrate student success and create meaningful opportunities for all Wildcats."

Case looks forward to serving the Evans Elementary community and building strong relationships with students, families, and staff throughout the school year.

Email: cassi.macarthur@d49.org
 

Cassi MacArthur is serving District 49 as Principal at Remington Elementary School.

MacArthur brings 14 years of experience in education and is proud to serve the Remington Elementary community. Before joining District 49, she spent seven years as an elementary classroom teacher, one year coordinating interventions and coaching new teachers, and five years as an assistant principal. Originally from California, MacArthur has dedicated her career to serving students in Colorado across Harrison School District Two, Douglas County School District, and now District 49.

As Principal of Remington Elementary, MacArthur is committed to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to succeed. She believes strong relationships with students, families, and staff are the foundation of a thriving school community and is honored to serve more than 550 students and approximately 80 dedicated staff members.

MacArthur looks forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships with the Remington community while ensuring every Mustang has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential.

Email: lori.mccoy@d49.org
 

Lori McCoy is serving District 49 as Principal at Stetson Elementary School.

McCoy is a dedicated educator who has proudly served students in the Sand Creek Zone as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an Elementary Education Certificate from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and later completed a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. Before joining District 49, McCoy began her career as a second-grade teacher in Harrison School District 2. She later served as a second- and fourth-grade teacher at Remington Elementary and most recently as the Literacy Instructional Coach at Evans Elementary.

As Principal of Stetson Elementary, McCoy is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, excellence, growth, and equity where every student is supported to reach their full potential. She is especially passionate about literacy and believes every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, lifelong reader. Through strong partnerships with students, families, and staff, she is dedicated to creating a learning environment where all Raiders can thrive.

McCoy and her family have been proud members of the District 49 community for many years. Two of her children are District 49 graduates currently attending the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and her youngest daughter is a current District 49 student. She looks forward to continuing to serve the Stetson community while building meaningful relationships that support student success.

Email: mako.winston@d49.org
 

Mako Winston is serving District 49 as Principal at Springs Ranch Elementary School.

Winston brings more than 15 years of experience in education and is proud to serve the Springs Ranch Elementary community. Since becoming principal in 2023, he has continued to build upon the school's strong tradition of student success and family engagement. Before joining Springs Ranch, Winston served as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. Prior to moving to Colorado Springs in 2017, he spent 13 years as an educator in Las Vegas.

As Principal of Springs Ranch Elementary, Winston is committed to creating a caring, student-centered environment where every Bobcat is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. He believes strong partnerships between families, staff, and the community are essential to helping students become responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and the best versions of themselves.

Winston looks forward to continuing to serve the Springs Ranch community while building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff. He and his wife are proud parents of four children and have enjoyed making Colorado Springs their home.