Our school has a new leader, Bill Anton   

Bill Anton, an educator with experience in small school communities, is thrilled to have the wonderful adventure of being a “maritime” teaching principal of the district’s two island schools.

Bill joined the Portland Public Schools in 2023 as principal of Rowe Elementary School, and is very proud of his work with the Rowe Community. In January of 2025, he shared with the district his interest in exploring alternatives that might allow him to connect with his educational roots. As a former Vermont small school principal and superintendent, he saw a match with the Peaks and Cliff Island schools. He became leader of those schools in the summer of 2025.

Prior to joining the Portland Public Schools, Bill spent seven years as superintendent in Windham Central Supervisory Union in southern Vermont, served as elementary school principal at The Dover School in Dover, Vermont, and served as a third-grade teacher and an elementary assistant principal.

Bill is a graduate of the University of Iowa in communications and received his teaching certificate and master’s in administration from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Bill grew up in northern California and has lived in London, Atlanta, North Carolina and Vermont. He and his wife have two adult children.

Bill takes the boat to Peaks each day and truly loves the ferry commute and the island walk. Look for his Peaks school cap and say “hello” as he travels.

As an island school, we are proud to wear many hats. Our teachers and staff provide a welcoming community to all students and families so that everyone is valued and feels a strong sense of belonging. Establishing and sustaining warm and trusting relationships with our students, families, and colleagues continue to be a hallmark of our school climate and culture.

STAFF: For an up-to-date list, please visit the staff directory on our website.