Otter Valley Principal Page
Michael Ruppel - Principal
Michael Ruppel became Principal of Otter Valley Union Middle and High School in July 2022. He spent his 8 previous years at Springfield High School (VT), serving as a math teacher and instructional team leader, then an instructional coach, and as Assistant Principal from 2019 - 2022. He was named a Rowland Fellow in 2017 to focus on implementation of school-based systems for proficiency-based learning and flexible pathways. Prior to moving to Vermont, Michael was a math teacher and department chair at Central High School in Providence, Rhode Island.
Michael has a Bachelors’ Degree from the University of Delaware (2010), a Masters’ Degree from Providence College (2014), and completed his leadership training at the Upper Valley Educators Institute in 2018. When not at school, Michael enjoys running, cooking, hiking, keeping his two children busy, and otherwise exploring the outdoors in Vermont.
Abby Brodowski - Associate Principal
Abby Brodowski received her BA in English and German Studies from Allegheny College before moving to Vermont to live and work at Spring Lake Ranch. After 5 years working on the farm there, she became an English teacher and received her MA in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Castleton University. She spent the next decade teaching English at West Rutland School and Rutland High School, before receiving her Work-based Learning endorsement and teaching in the PLACE internship program at RHS. Abby finished her license in administration while working as the Recovery Coordinator for Rutland City Public Schools before coming to Otter Valley as the Associate Principal.
Matthew Hildebrand - Supervisor of Special Education
Matthew Hildebrand is the Supervisor of Secondary Special Education at OVU MS/HS. He began his career as a special educator at an experiential school in PA. Following, he spent 15 years in Massachusetts as a Special Education Liaison for grades 6-8 and a Program Coordinator for High School students. Prior to OV, Matthew was a special educator at Mount Abraham in Bristol, Vermont.
Matthew earned his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Susquehanna University (PA). He earned his Master's Degree in Education Administration from American International College (MA). Outside of school, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, working in his woodshop and hacking it up on the local golf courses.