Changes happening at Windsor, Sonoma schools

As the new school year kicks off, construction projects at two Windsor school sites are moving ahead and a new vice principal has been hired at Sonoma Valley High School.

Both Windsor projects - at Brooks Elementary School and Windsor Oaks Academy - are expected to be completed before the 2016-2017 school year, said Windsor Unified School District Superintendent Steven L. Jorgensen. They comprise the remaining $15.5 million of a $50 million bond approved by Windsor voters on Feb. 5, 2008.

At Brooks Elementary School on Natalie Drive, a two-story building containing 10 classrooms and bathrooms will replace some existing portable buildings, Jorgensen said. The $6.5 million project does not include a library that will be put to bid separately.

A two-story building with six new classes, a computer lab and office space is planned at the Windsor Oaks Academy alternative high school at the Windsor High School campus on Windsor River Road. Portable buildings that will be used this school year were relocated, and underground gas and water and sewer connection were completed in July. This project cost $5.5 million, Jorgensen said.

At Sonoma Valley High School, a new vice principal joins the staff this year.

Chris Rauschenfels has 11 years of experience in Stockton, where he taught science and astronomy and worked on a variety of site leadership assignments .

Principal Kathleen Hawing said Rauschenfels’ “positive attitude and academic experiences” are an asset to the campus. He will work with the staff to further the Common Core content and teaching strategies, and will help foster support among staff and students.

He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Sacramento State University and his bachelor’s degree from College of St. Scholastica University in Duluth, Minn.

As a classroom teacher, Rauschenfels was selected in a nationwide process to participate in NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy Airborne Astronomy Ambassador Program.

He has been an athletic director and coached high school basketball and football. During college, he was a two-time All-American basketball player and two-time Academic All-American.

James Lanaras and Dianne Reber Hart contributed to this report.