Bill Anton Named P3’s 2023 Partner of the Year
From its inception, Windham Central Supervisory Union Superintendent Bill Anton played a crucial role in the success of BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program. As a member of the P3 Advisory Board for the past five years, he helped shape the program into a successful, integral part of all Windham County high schools’ career education offerings. Bill understands the urgent need for every student to begin adult life with a sense of purpose and plan of action. BDCC is proud to announce that Bill was named P3’s 2023 Partner of the Year for his outstanding commitment to career education.
“Bill’s leadership and advocacy for the partnership between L&G and BDCC helped us creatively consider how to could pool resources for better outcomes for our students,” said Bob Thibault, Principal at Leland & Gray Middle High School and incoming Superintendent.
“Bill has been a visionary as Superintendent of the WCSU for the last seven years. His humble servant leadership style empowers others to become the best versions of themselves. Bill built an effective team that communicates well, is resilient, decisive, and trusted by all stakeholders to solve problems and make the right decisions for our district and the community,” said West River Education District School Board Member, Al Clausen. “Bill inspires others, leading by example and bringing an unmatchable energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. Bill’s mentorship is a gift to all that receive it, including me. There are numerous ways to describe great leaders and Bill certainly has the “it” factor. “It” is hard to describe but you know it when we see it. Because of Bill’s intentional bench-building and succession planning, the District is in the process of a smooth transition. That is transformative leadership!”
Integrating career education into the everyday classroom for all students, whether college or workforce bound, has required a major culture shift within the county’s schools. “When launching a new initiative or program, it is crucial to seek out a resilient and forward-thinking partner who aligns with your goals and aspirations. It is truly a remarkable occurrence when such a partner joins forces early on, actively involves others, offers valuable insights and guidance at the appropriate moments, and evolves into an accountable ally, advisor, and enthusiastic supporter. Bill Anton exemplified this role within the P3 program, playing a significant part in enabling its long-term success alongside other initial collaborators,” said Adam Grinold, BDCC’s Exective Director.
Because Bill is so highly-regarded, other Windham County educators and administrators followed his lead, joining forces with BDCC, based on a shared belief in P3’s mission. Bill’s support was critical to building parent, student and teacher buy-in. These are the partnerships that have allowed the P3 program partners to get to work, creating and implementing innovative programming that has significantly shifted postsecondary outcomes for the better. Bill opened doors for P3. Without his his insights, expertise, and leadership, P3 would not be the successful program it is today.
About Pipelines & Pathways
Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) is a program of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation. P3 provides employment-oriented career-planning for the region’s high school students. It brings training in 21st Century skills, work-based learning, and personal learning plan (PLP) engagement opportunities to all four public high schools in Windham County. The program assists in developing workforce-oriented curricula, expanding classroom relationships, and growing work-based learning through opportunities with local employers. It also supports teachers working face to face with students to implement personal learning plans and seize the myriad opportunities presented by Vermont’s Flexible Pathways Initiative under Act 77. Pipelines & Pathways is a BDCC Workforce Center of Excellence program based on SeVEDS strategies to increase the size and quality of the workforce. For more information please visit https://brattleborodevelopment.com/workforce/
Funding for P3 is provided by the McClure Foundation, Vermont Community Foundation, the Windham County Economic Development Program, the George W. Mergens Foundation, M&T Bank, G.S. Precision, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Chroma Technology in Bellows Falls, the Windham Regional Career Center and the West River Education District.
