Amy Jones is a homegrown and permanent resident of Rincon Valley, she is proud to serve this amazing community in this capacity. She attended the local Brush Creek Montessori, Spring Creek and Matanzas Elementary, and feeder schools Herbert Slater Middle and Montgomery High. With that said, she is very well acquainted with the area and all Rincon Valley Schools which leads to a successful transition into this role. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to be an educator. Amy adored being around children, as well as, continuously learning. Currently, Amy holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Special Education. She comes to Rincon Valley with twenty-seven years of educational experience, all within Sonoma County. Amy is beyond thrilled to be back home and serving her local community.
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
AMY JONES
Amy Jones, Superintendent
Mike Herfurth, Deputy Superintendent
Michael Herfurth was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. After attending Sequoia Elementary, Rincon Valley Junior High, and Santa Rosa High, he stayed local by attending Santa Rosa Junior College and then Sonoma State University to earn his BA degree and teaching credential. Mike began his career teaching in Rincon Valley Union School District. After several years of teaching, he enrolled in the post graduate program at Saint Mary’s College of California, studying Educational Leadership. Mike was then given the opportunity to work in Rincon Valley as a principal, beginning his administrative career at Binkley Elementary, the very first school at which he taught. After six years as the principal at Binkley, Mike moved to Madrone and was the principal there for 4 years. In July 2019, Mike moved to the district office to become the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In July 2021, Mike changed positions to become the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Hilary Kjaer, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Hilary Kjaer's career journey in education has been marked by significant achievements and progress, evolving from a teacher to assuming roles of increasing responsibility within the school district. Starting as a dedicated teacher, Hilary Kjaer demonstrated a passion for education and a commitment to student success. Her teaching experience provided her with a deep understanding of classroom dynamics, educational methodologies, and the challenges faced by both students and educators.
Driven by a desire to make a broader impact on educational practices and policies, Hilary transitioned into a leadership role as a principal. As a principal, she brought her instructional expertise while also managing administrative responsibilities. This phase of her career allowed her to implement innovative educational initiatives, foster a positive school culture, and collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and the community. Building on her success as a principal, Hilary Kjaer then assumed the role of the Director of Teaching and Learning within the school district. In this capacity, she took on broader administrative duties, such as overseeing curriculum development and adoption, implementing district-wide educational programs, professional development and ensuring compliance with educational standards. Her strategic vision and leadership skills were instrumental in driving improvements across multiple schools within the district.
Currently, Hilary serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a position that reflects her extensive experience, leadership qualities, and dedication to advancing educational excellence. In this role, she plays a pivotal role in shaping district-wide policies, allocating resources effectively, and fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff. Her leadership continues to be characterized by a commitment to equity, innovation, and continuous improvement in educational outcomes. Assistant Superintendent, Hilary Kjaer has exemplified resilience, vision, and a steadfast dedication to enhancing the educational experience for all students. Her journey underscores the transformative impact that effective leadership can have within the realm of education, inspiring others to strive for excellence and equity in learning opportunities.
Hilary along with her husband Erik live in Occidental with their 2 daughters, Ahnicka and Iyla and numerous pets.