Super News

Happy Spring! Things are hopping in Montpelier, and the topic of education reform is still very much in the forefront. One of the bills in the legislature is suggesting that the redrawing of district lines should be done by a special commission, instead of by legislators. There is also a bill concerning minimum class sizes, another hot topic these days. If you have strong feelings about public education in Vermont, please reach out to your legislators to share your thoughts (simply select “Search for legislator” and enter your town)!

Parents, please take a moment to fill out a survey regarding academic feedback from your child’s school. This information will help us improve and ensure that we’re meeting the needs of our parents!

West River - 3/26/25 Vote- Results- Passed

River Valleys - 4/29/25 Annual Meeting (Wardsboro)/ 4/21/25 Informational Meeting (Dover)

Marlboro -3/4/25 Vote Results - Passed

Windham - 3/4/25 Vote Results - Passed

Stratton - 3/4/25 Vote Results - Passed

With Teacher/Staff Appreciation month just around the corner, we'd love for you to share your gratitude! Please take a few moments to complete our appreciation form, letting our amazing teachers and staff know how much they mean to our school community. Your kind words and thoughtful messages will make a huge difference. You can find the form below:

Have you ever worked with anyone who was always willing to step in when they were needed? Did that person always lead with a smile? In talking with that person, did you find them to be open, honest, and able to engage with new ideas with curiosity rather than quick judgment? If you have, then you have worked with someone like Matt Chapman.

Matt is the lead teacher in the 3rd/4th classroom at Marlboro School. He has worked in Marlboro for many years, starting in 2000 as a paraeducator. Matt hasn't worked in the school all of that time, having left to travel, have adventures, and build a family. Matt obtained his Master's Degree in 2017, earning his student teaching hours in our Junior High Classroom. He then became a Classroom Assistant in our "North El" and was mentored by the teacher in that classroom to step into the role he has now.

Matt builds strong bonds with his students, families, and colleagues, focusing on all the components we know create healthy and thriving schools. His students are challenged, supported, nurtured, and cared for. They learn how to show respect and kindness in the classroom, which is modeled daily in their interactions with him. When you enter Matt's classroom, you are bound to see students who are busily engaged, helpful to each other, and welcoming to guests. We are so lucky to have Matt at Marlboro School!

It's April and I am finishing my first 9 months as Business Manager for WCSU. When I stepped into this role I knew there would be lots to learn and big shoes to fill. That was before the State of Vermont decided it was time for Education Reform and the Federal Government went into chaos. Wow! What a time to step into this new role! I am so thankful to be working with such a knowledgeable, hardworking group of Administrators and School Board members to get through this complicated time we are going through. I am constantly learning in my new role and already thinking about the next budget year!

I am also so thankful for the Business Office Team featuring Michelle Brown, HR Coordinator, Laura Davis, Payroll Specialist, Donna Albin, CNP and Medicaid Specialist, Sue Petrie, Accounts Payable Specialist, Grace Perillo, Admin Assistant for the Director of Curriculum and Grant Support, Andrew Davis, Assistant Business Manager, Grace Powers, Admin Assistant to the Director of Operations and Business Office Assistant. While several of my staff are new in the last year or two, they all work hard, as a team to make our supervisory union function. Vendors and staff are paid; orders purchased; grant awards are processed; compliance is overseen; state paperwork submitted; grant reimbursements requested; assistance and support to all school employees when they need it so staff can focus on the academic needs of their students. Our SU has approximately 250 employees, 650 students enrolled in our school and another several hundred tuition students. We always have necessary building projects in the works, some with grant funds, some without, to improve our schools. Everything that happens in our buildings and with our staff and students, in some way is handled by staff in the Business Office. Students and staff are always on the forefront of what we are doing. We may be removed from direct contact with students but each and every person who works in our office cares deeply about our schools and the people that teach and enrich those students' lives. We want to thank the school boards for their support of what we do and our door is always open for anyone that may be interested in visiting and meeting my amazing staff! Thank you!

• April 2: Teacher In-Service (Early Release)
• April 14-18: Spring Break - No School
• April 30: Teacher In-Service Day (Early Release)
• May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week