Two Sonoma County schools honored by state

Cinnabar Charter School and Austin Creek Elementary School have been named 2014 California Distinguished Schools by the state Department of Education.

Cinnabar, in Cinnabar School District in Petaluma, and Austin Creek, in Rincon Valley School District in Santa Rosa, were among the 427 elementary campuses honored. Secondary campuses are named in alternate years.

"I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success," state Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson said in a statement. "This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support."

The award honors schools that provide "an equitable and rigorous education" and recognizes campuses that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap, according to state officials. The schools are slated to be honored in June.