Sebastian Benavidez III, Principal

Mr. Sebastian Benavidez III, with more than 27 years of educational experience, is Principal at Graham Middle School. Most recently, he served as Principal at Frank S. Greene, Jr. Middle School in the Palo Alto Unified School District, earning recognition for fostering collaborative relationships with families and staff to enhance student and school outcomes. Mr. Benavidez spent over 15 years in the Fresno Unified School District, culminating in his role as an elementary Vice Principal. There, he spearheaded initiatives to improve school climate, implement effective student supports, and mentor educators. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s in Education from National University, Fresno.

Andrew Donati, Assistant Principal

Mr. Andrew Donati is Assistant Principal at Graham Middle School. Mr. Donati is an experienced educator who recently served as Assistant Principal of Sylvandale Middle School in the Franklin McKinley School District. He was also Principal of Valle Vista Elementary School in the Mount Pleasant School District for three years. His work includes emphasizing equity, working with diverse populations, and supporting pedagogical instruction. He has worked as an elementary science teacher, middle school athletic director and adjunct faculty at San Jose State University (SJSU). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University and Master of Arts Degrees from San Jose State University in both Educational Leadership and Instructional Technology.

Jackee Keirns, Assistant Principal 

Mrs. Jackee Keirns, formerly Assistant Principal at Crittenden Middle School and Principal at Castro Elementary, is Assistant Principal at Graham Middle School. Ms. Keirns has more than 17 years of teaching and school leadership experience, including Title 1 schools. She has been the social studies department chair, teacher in charge, a seventh and eighth-grade social studies teacher, and PBIS team lead at Leonard Herman Intermediate School in San Jose. She also taught elementary school in San Jose for four years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California San Diego, her Master’s in Education from University of California Santa Cruz, and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Concordia University.