Superintendent Search

The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union is conducting a search for a new superintendent following Superintendent James R Culkeen's retirement, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The search committee will use this page to help keep the community informed of all critical aspects of the process. Please check this page often as we search for a new leader to Imagine the Possibilities for the SVSU.

monument — Monument Elementary School serves Bennington students in grades kindergarten-5. With a focus on excellence, the school prides itself on creating a unified community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With one classroom per grade level, MES encourages all students to be positive, safe, responsible, kind, and respectful.

woodford — Woodford Hollow Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten-6. The small school is steeped in history as it is the longest running school building in the United States.

Pownal Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten-6. The school prides itself on supporting the whole child, giving students many opportunities to engage in a variety of activities catered to individual interests. PES has a vibrant school school culture, starting with Miss Poppy, the school’s catamount statue that was donated by community members. The fiberglass statue was painted by a local artist and greets all who visit Pownal Elementary School

Beech Street is one of the SVSU's therapeutic intervention programs for elementary-aged students.

EEP — The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union Early Education Program serves children of all abilities aged 3-5. With children and families at the heart of their mission, the early education team is able to provide a fun, collaborative, and nurturing learning environment for the community’s youngest learners.

BennEl — Bennington Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten-5. The dedicated staff of BES provide children with a safe and nurturing, child-centered environment that focuses on developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The school believes that creating a safe learning environment is essential in supporting all students a space in which they can become positive and productive community members.

Mt. Anthony Union High School serves nearly 1,000 students from Bennington, Pownal, Woodford, Shaftsbury, and North Bennington in grades 9-12. Members of the MAUHS school community believe that learning should be challenging, diverse, and relevant to the demands of the 21st century. The school prides itself on creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative learning environment. MAUHS offers dozens of engaging clubs, as well as varsity and junior varsity sports.

Arlington Memorial High School serves nearly 250 students from Arlington and Sandgate in grades 6-12. AMHS offers several Accelerated Program education opportunities, varsity and sub-varsity sports, and a variety of clubs. AMHS prides itself in supporting all of their students in the pursuit of their unique goals.

Mount Anthony Union Middle School serves nearly 500 students from Pownal, Woodford, Shaftsbury, North Bennington (grades 7-8), and Bennington (grades 6-8). MAUMS provides an active and vibrant school community that supports students as they explore and grow during their middle school years.

The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU) includes five school districts: Southwest Vermont Union Elementary SD, North Bennington SD Inc., Mount Anthony Union SD No. 14, Arlington School District, and Sandgate SD. Together, SVSU and its member districts are one of the largest employers in Bennington County.

NBenn — The NBSD is an independent school district.

The Sandgate School District is non operational.

Fisher Elementary School serves nearly 250 students from Arlington and Sandgate in grades pre kindergarten-5. The school supports a learning environment based in trust, encouraging all students to reach their highest potential.

MollyStark — Molly Stark Elementary School serves Bennington students in grades kindergarten-5. The school prides itself on their dedicated, focused, and collaborative staff, who support students as they learn and grow. MSES is committed to keeping an extremely strong focus on academic and behavior achievement for all learners.

Updates:

January 22, 2025: Search update provided to SVSU Board
January 20, 2025: Superintendent search screening committee meets for it's first meeting
December 18, 2024: A community survey was issued to gather desired skills and attributes for the next Superintendent.
December 12, 2024: An email went out to staff and community members informing them of the role of the Superintendent Search Committee, and calling for volunteers.
December 11, 2024: The job posting went live.
December 4, 2024: The first Superintendent Search Committee meeting takes place with the help of the VSBA consultant.
November 6, 2024: The SVSU School Board decides contract with the Vermont School Board Association (VSBA) to assist with the Superintendent search.
October 30, 2024: Superintendent James R. Culkeen announces his retirement from the SVSU, effective June 30, 2025.

Committee Members

Christohper Murphy - Board Chair, SVUESD
Stephanie Mulligan - Board Chair, MAU
Ray Mullineaux - Board Chair, North Bennington
Nicol Whalen - Board Chair, ASD
James Gallen - Teacher, MAUMS
Erin Morandi - Support Staff, MAUHS
Renee Gordon - Central Office Administrator
Bethany Lorge - Principal, Pownal Elementary
Rachel Munoz - Parent/Community Member
Shirah Sternberg - Parent/Community Member

To view committee meeting minutes, please click the link.

If you are interested in applying for the SVSU Superintendent position, please read more on SchoolSpring.