RSA Director

John Richards
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John Richards has spent his last 14 years in the Appleton Area School District. He holds degrees in both criminal justice as well as broad field social studies and is certified in charter school instruction. He has been a regular presenter at the ISN state conventions on charter schools, focusing on classroom technology, integration and inquiry based learning. He was a co-founder of Kaleidoscope Academy, a 6-8 middle school focusing on inquiry-based instruction, technology, and fine arts education.

He was named the director of The Renaissance School for the Arts in 2015 and he teaches, civics and English language arts in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.

 Principal

Christy deBoer
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Christy deBoer began her career as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor working with adolescents. She earned an Associate degree in Applied Science of Counseling in 1998. She counseled in both outpatient full day treatment and a residential care facility specializing in mental health and substance abuse. She received additional training specializing in adolescents in the Juvenile Justice system. Christy then attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Christy began teaching Special Education in the Appleton Area School District in 2010. She has taught students of all ages with emotional, behavioral, learning and exceptional educational needs. Christy returned to Appleton West as Dean of Students for three years before becoming the Associate Principal of Student Supports and Services.

Christy grew up in the neighborhood surrounding Appleton West. She attended Lincoln Elementary, Wilson Middle School and is an Appleton West High School graduate. She is proud to be Appleton West alumni. Christy is married and has three children. She enjoys spending time outside hiking, taking road trips and practicing yoga.