Superintendent's Message

Dear Windham Southwest Supervisory Union Staff, Families, and Community,

A warm welcome to you as we enter the 2018-19 school year!

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, not only for students, but for families and staff as well. In this spirit, it is my pleasure to step into the role of Superintendent of Windham Southwest Supervisory Union (WSWSU). Let me introduce myself. I have been an educator in Vermont for more than 25 years and bring a range of experience with me to WSWSU. Most recently, I have been an elementary/middle school principal and central office administrator. Beyond school administration, I have been an elementary classroom teacher, Regional Director of Building Bright Futures (coordinating educational and social service efforts for young children), a teacher trainer, and a paraeducator. A thread that ties my career together is my passion for creating learning environments that enable all students to succeed. My undergraduate degree is in education from Dartmouth College, and my master’s degree is in educational leadership from the University of Vermont. My broad, yet deep experience provides me with a keen understanding of how all the pieces must fit together to create a thriving educational system, and an unwavering belief that the students must always be at the center.

There are so many great things that are already happening in WSWSU. I am excited to collaborate with those within WSWSU, as well as the greater community, to build on that strong foundation. As our WSWSU mission below implies, together we will care for, support and challenge each student to be prepared for their future.

WSWSU in collaboration with students, educators and community will provide a flexible 21st century creative learning environment through a rigorous proficiency based curriculum that prepares students to be innovative learners in an interconnected world.

- WSWSU Mission Statement

WSWSU’s strategic plan, referred to as our Continuous Improvement Plan will help guide our work. Our Continuous Improvement Plan, focuses on:

  • Academic Proficiency of Students
  • Personalized Learning for Students (based on our understanding that students benefit from being engaged with their learning, and that one size does not fit all)
  • Safe and Healthy Schools

People across the WSWSU community have been working hard this summer to prepare for students’ first day back to school. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication. It is this shared commitment to our students, and the willingness to do whatever it takes, that makes the difference. As Vince Lombardi said, "Individual commitment to a group effort--that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” I am confident that, together, we will accomplish great things for our students.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you. I look forward to a super year!

Sincerely,

Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll
Superintendent, Windham Southwest Supervisory Union