Meet WSWSU Superintendent William Bazyk

At WSWSU, our mission is to deliver a high-quality, forward-thinking education that prepares every learner for success in a rapidly changing world. Guided by Superintendent William "Bill" Bazyk, we are committed to creating school environments that are dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our Vermont communities. Following a comprehensive search in June 2024, his appointment was celebrated as an exciting new chapter for our schools. With over 25 years of experience in education, Superintendent Bazyk’s leadership reflects the core priorities of the WSWSU Strategic Plan: academic excellence, social-emotional well-being, collaborative and inclusive practices, and a strong focus on equity and innovation for all students and staff.

Champion of Equity: With a strong foundation and expertise in Special Education, Bill's leadership is rooted in the belief that all learners deserve tailored, supportive, and challenging educational opportunities. This focus ensures WSWSU is committed to early intervention and student ownership of learning.

Community-First Governance: Bill champions a collaborative governance model, believing that the best educational outcomes emerge when the community, educators, and administrators work together. He is committed to transparent decision-making and building a shared vision for the future of our schools.

Forward-Thinking Education: His vision for WSWSU centers on preparing students not just for the next grade, but for life. This includes a commitment to developing programs that allow students to explore their interests, take ownership of their learning pathways, and build essential 21st-century skills.

Our Educational North Star:

"Education should not just be about preparing for a test; it’s about preparing a child for their future. In WSWSU, we are building a supportive, equitable, and rigorous environment where every student can find their path and thrive." — William Bazyk

Bill's Background in Brief

Bill’s extensive experience includes a variety of key roles in both teaching and administration. Bazyk lives in Manchester and served as director of student services at Great Rutland County Supervisory Union in 2022, superintendent/director of student services at Battenkill Valley Supervisory Union from 2015 to 2022, director of pupil services in the Greenfield, Mass., School District from 2013 to 2015, and director of special education at Bennington Rutland Supervisory from 2006 to 2013. He also worked as a special education teacher in East Longmeadow, Mass., from 1996 to 2006.

His expertise is rooted in his academic background, along with degrees in educational administration, special education, and English. He is considered an expert in special education and has a strong background in budgeting, grant writing, and educational policy. Bill is also an alumnus of the Snelling Center for Government's Educational Leadership program. Further highlighting his dedication to effective governance and leadership within the educational community

He's not just an administrator; he’s an experienced educator who understands the daily reality of the classroom and the vital importance of strong, community-supported schools.

Get Involved!

Have an innovative idea or a question for our Superintendent? We encourage you to connect and engage with the WSWSU team as we work together to shape the future of education in our district.

Email Bill Bazyk: wbazyk@wswsu49.org Call the WSWSU Office: (802) 464-1300

Superintendent's Office

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Garon Turcotte-Smail

Central Office Coordinator

Kristina Milici

Human Resources Director

Kattie Banis

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.

Five year plan released to the public

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

Windham Southwest finalizes five-year strategic plan

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!"

Bill's Background in Brief

Get Involved!

Superintendent's Office

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Central Office Coordinator

Human Resources Director

Meet the

Acting Superintendent

Meet the Superintendent

Five year plan released to the public

Windham Southwest finalizes five-year strategic plan

SY23-24 Letters

SY22-23 Letters

SY21-22 Letters

Annual Letters

SY 22-23 Annual Letter from Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, Superintendent

SY 21-22 Annual Letter from Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, Superintendent

SY 20-21 Annual Letter from Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, Superintendent

WSWSU CENTRAL OFFICE | 1 School Street Wilmington, VT 05363 | Phone: 802.464.1300 | Fax: 802.464.1303