New director for Sonoma Charter School

The Sonoma Charter School Governing Board has named Rhode Island educator Kevin Kassebaum as the school’s new director. He replaces Paula Hunter, who resigned the post in June.

Kassebaum most recently worked as an Educator Specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Providence, RI. He was recruited to drive advancement of educational leadership through educator development, articulation of educational leadership standards, and partnership with state professional organizations.

“Kevin brings a depth and breadth of experience to Sonoma Charter,” said Board Chair Chris McNairy. “He is very excited and committed to making SCS the best diverse K-8 school it can be.”

Kassebaum and his wife Loie share a similar background, both growing up receiving all of their K-12 education in Sonoma County. They have a three-year-old son, Peter.

Kassebaum has a master’s degree in School Administration from Pepperdine University; a teaching credential in Social Sciences from Dominican University; and a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Sonoma State.

He taught middle school World History at Hawthorne School in Beverly Hills for five years and then had assignments as Assistant Principal at Kornblum Elementary School in Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach Middle School and Hermosa Valley School, Hermosa Beach.

“We were fortunate to have a very strong pool of applicants from which to select our new director,” McNairy said. “Kevin is very excited about this opportunity, and I think he is just the person we need in this position!

Kassebaum will begin his assignment August 5.