Superintendent

Meet the 

Acting Superintendent

Dr. Kevin Dirth, Acting Superintendent, has over 40 years of experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent and educational consultant.  He is an alum of Ithaca College, Boston University, and Columbia University.  His experience with rural schools throughout Vermont and New York is vitally important to WSWSU while we transition to a new Superintendent.  Kevin has a background in music and arts education. In his free time, Kevin enjoys biking, tennis, and hiking the woods of Northern Vermont.   He lives with his family in St. Albans, VT, which includes his crazy dog, Jacks.




Act.Super.Ltr.pdf

Meet the Superintendent

Barbara Anne has been an educator in Vermont for over 30 years. She became our Superintendent of Schools in July 2018. 

While Superintendent, Barbara Anne has been honored to serve as President of the Southeast Regional Superintendents Association for the past three years. Prior to this, Barbara Anne was working at Champlain Valley School District, first as Lead Principal of Charlotte Central School and then as a central office administrator as their Director of Communications and Public Relations. Prior to this, she was principal of Doty Memorial School, in Worcester, Vermont. She started her career in education as a first and second-grade teacher in Underhill, Vermont. 

Barbara Anne is a 1989 graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Geography. She was a 2009 graduate of the University of Vermont with a Masters of Educational Leadership. 

She and Andy, her husband, have two children, Sarah and Elliott who are big fans of their dog, Humley. Barbara Anne and Andy love to enjoy the outdoors and travel with their family. 

The Deerfield Valley News released an article about the new WSWSU Strategic Plan for Student Success! Check out out, linked above.

The Brattlebor Reformer released an article about the new WSWSU Strategic Plan for Student Success! Check out out, linked above.


WINDHAM SOUTHWEST SUPERVISORY UNION ANNOUNCES THE JEDI TEAM

Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion or JEDI Team-Part of Continuing Initiative Promoting Welcoming, Inclusive School Environments

 

(Wilmington, VT)—The Windham Southwest Supervisory Union (WSWSU) Superintendent, Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, today announced the creation and continuing work of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion or “JEDI” Team. The group represents all schools in the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union and currently has 24 members including principals, faculty, staff and eight students. 

The JEDI Team is part of our ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive school cultures where everyone feels that they belong. Facilitators from the Collaborative for Educational Services work with students, teachers, staff, and administrators to help identify problems related to equity and inclusion while advising us in ways to ensure that every child feels they belong.

According to Superintendent Komons-Montroll, The JEDI Team is committed to ensuring each child receives what they need to reach their academic and social potential. Team members meet in a guided, specified safe space required for rich, full, deep conversations where JEDI Team members engage freely and honestly in current and potential equity issues throughout the WSWSU.

I am very hopeful of what we, a dedicated group of educators and students committed to bridging, will be able to accomplish in moving our schools to be the inclusive and welcoming places we all want them to be."

Through these facilitated discussions, WSWSU’s JEDI team members are developing shared meaning around relevant terms and diverse concepts on bridging, equity, interdependence, justice, diversity and joy—and from there—lead the improvement efforts to change our school culture and continue cultivating a truly welcoming environment where everyone feels belonging within the Supervisory Union.

Here’s what a few JEDI Team members had to say:

Michaela Hearst, a school clinician said, "The JEDI team is working to address and counteract injustices and inequities within our community.”


 Ashley Blevins, a special education teacher put it this way, "It is necessary and vital work in creating a safe space for students and staff."


And Robyn Oyer, a school principal summed it up with, "I am very excited to be a part of this original JEDI team!  We have such a wonderful group of students, teachers, and administrators who are ready to take on the job of ensuring all people are represented in what we do and how we do it!  I am thankful to have my school represented in this so that we can help make our schools and Supervisory Union a better place for everyone!"


May the force be with us!