Oasis Academy hires new principal

Oasis Academy has hired Amanda Barbosa as the school’s new K-8 principal who brings with her extensive charter school experience from the classroom and administration.

Barbosa has seven years of teaching experience in first and second grades, art and physical education. For the last two years she was principal of Ascent Academy in West Valley City, Utah.

Barbosa holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

Among her accomplishments at Ascent Academy include improved teacher retention by 15% and improved reading growth by 7%, and she was nominated for the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools Circle of Excellence Awards as “Rookie of the Year” in 2023 and “Administrator of the Year” in 2024.

Oasis Academy was attractive for the next step in Barbosa’s career for many reasons.

“I love charter schools and Oasis Academy is a very well-established charter school,” Barbosa said. “One of the things that I love is that our students have the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree.”

Barbosa was able to see Oasis and the Fallon community when she visited in May.

“I got to know the staff and how amazing and supportive they all are,” she said. “Coming from Utah, I am looking forward to being warmer in the winter as well.”

Barbosa said she wants to continue Oasis’ student first mindset with her goals for the coming school year.

“My goals include improving growth in reading and math, I want to spend a lot of time in the classroom with students and teachers, and I’m looking forward to getting to know students, parents, staff, and the wonderful Fallon community members,” she said.

Barbosa was born and reared in Brazil and moved to Utah in 2010 to attend college. She has a well-trained corgi named Echo.

Her hobbies include kayaking, hiking, reading, crafting, spending time with family and friends and traveling. Her international travel has included Greece, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Paraguay and France.

Parents will have the opportunity to meet Barbosa at Back to School Night on Aug. 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.