Meet the Principal

Hannah Bates is the principal of Spring Lake Middle School and has been part of the Rincon Valley Union School District community for 21 years. She began her career in RVUSD as the After School Programs Director before becoming a middle school teacher and, later, an administrator. Prior to joining RVUSD, she taught fourth and fifth grade in Sonoma. She is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, and earned her teaching credential from San Francisco State University.

Having grown up in both Vermont and Sonoma, Ms. Bates has deep roots in Sonoma County and a strong connection to the local community. She is passionate about middle school education and especially values the creativity, collaboration, and commitment of the teachers and staff at Spring Lake Middle School. She is continually inspired by the innovative work happening at SLMS, particularly in project-based learning, technology, and creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.

Throughout her time in RVUSD, Ms. Bates has also contributed to districtwide initiatives, including work supporting mathematics instruction and implementation. She remains committed to strengthening teaching and learning, supporting educators, and creating a school community where students feel connected, challenged, and supported.

Ms. Bates lives in Santa Rosa with her husband, Claud. Her two daughters are former RVUSD students, giving her the unique perspective of having experienced the district both as an educator and as a parent.