On July 18, 2018

New principal leads Barstow

By Katy Savage

A new principal has started her position at Barstow Memorial School.
Bianca McKeen
Bianca McKeen, who has worked in Rutland city schools since 2003, was chosen among 13 applicants.

Portrait of Bianca McKeen
Bianca McKeen

“Ultimately, Bianca was chosen through this extensive process for her demonstrated leadership skills in other education positions, her commitment to the community and her excellent instructional leadership track record,” said Superintendent Jeanne Collins.

McKeen, 36, comes with numerous teaching awards and recognitions. She was named a University of Vermont Outstanding Teacher for Rutland City in 2017 and Outstanding Vermont Science Teacher of the Year K-8 from the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering in 2012.

McKeen was also Rowland Fellow in 2016, allowing her to develop an internship program with her colleagues for Rutland high school students. Students were paired with mentors in Rutland area, such as physical therapists, doctors and real estate agents where they completed a 60-hour internship.

“We felt that was one of the things missing from the other comprehensive program in Rutland High School,” she said.” I wanted students to see that they had a future in Rutland County.”

McKeen has worked with all grade levels, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Her favorite is elementary children.

“You’re helping to shape young individuals,” she said. “There are many opportunities for them, both in the local community, and in the larger world and it’s important that they learn to interact with other people.”

McKeen studied theater arts and chemistry at Castleton University before she received a master’s degree in elementary education from from the College of St. Joseph.

Her husband is also a physical education in teacher in Addison County.

McKeen started her position July 1. She is taking over from former principal Renee Castillo was there for three years. Before Castillo, Karen Prescott, who was principal more than a decade.

McKeen is a local face. Out of college, McKeen worked at Killington Elementary School where she taught kindergarten as a long-term substitute.

She knows many of the students and families in the area through her own children’s, sporting activities.

McKeen grew up in the Rutland area. She remembers Barstow as a child. “The school has always had a strong tradition of doing wonderful things ,” she said.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…