Administration
Bill Anton - Principal
Before joining the Portland Public Schools, Bill served as superintendent in Windham Central Supervisory Union in southern Vermont. Prior to being superintendent, Bill was an elementary school principal at The Dover School in Dover, Vermont, the first International Baccalaureate elementary school in the state, where he was honored to represent Vermont as a National Distinguished Principal. Bill has also served as a third-grade teacher and an elementary assistant principal. He 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. He grew up in Northern California and has lived in London, Atlanta, North Carolina, and Vermont. Bill and his wife have two adult children. He is excited to join the Rowe Elementary community, the Portland Public Schools, and the Portland community at large.
Melissa Richard - Assistant Principal
Melissa joined the Portland Public Schools from Pond Cove Elementary School in Cape Elizabeth, where she served as interim assistant principal and previously worked as a math interventionist. Prior to that, she spent six years as an elementary classroom teacher in first and second grade, worked as a special educator, and provided early intervention to students through Child Development Services.
She holds a master's degree from Lesley University in curriculum and instruction – integrative teaching through the arts, and is working on her EdD in education.
Melissa is passionate about music and enjoys singing with the Portland-based band, Under the Covers. She loves trying new plant-based recipes with her husband in her downtime and cuddling with their black lab, Basil.
Melissa is excited about building relationships with staff, students, families, and community members at Rowe School and in the Portland district!