School Information

Ms. Budzynski brings decades of experience in education to her new role as the inaugural principal of Ave Maria Elementary. She joined CCPS in 2008 and quickly established herself as a collaborative, student-centered leader. She served as principal of Naples Park Elementary for three years before moving to Seagate Elementary, where she spent eight years leading schoolwide academic growth and strengthening community partnerships. In 2019, she was recognized as the CCPS Principal of the Year.

Most recently, Ms. Budzynski served as principal of Village Oaks Elementary, where she led a remarkable schoolwide turnaround. During her tenure, Village Oaks transformed into a high-performing campus, reflecting the strong academic foundation and cohesive team culture she established.

She holds a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership, a master’s degree in educational counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. A proud resident of the Ave Maria community, Ms. Budzynski is excited to open the doors of Ave Maria Elementary and lead the school into its very first chapter.

Matthew Sibert is an educational leader with extensive experience in elementary instruction, coaching, and school administration. He currently serves as Assistant Principal at Lake Trafford Elementary School in Collier County Public Schools, where he supports instructional leadership, school operations, and community engagement. His prior roles include serving as a Science Coach at Pinecrest Elementary and as a Teacher at both Manatee Elementary and Lake Trafford Elementary. 

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and the Humanities from the University of Chicago. He completed teacher education coursework at Florida Gulf Coast University, earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership.