Palmer's Going to Orlando Summit

Supt. of Schools Colleen Palmer has a reservation to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Resort Hotel at Disney World in Orlando on Sept. 29, but it's not all for relaxation and fun in the sun.

This is an all-expenses-paid trip — at no cost to the town — for Superintendents Summit 2010 and Palmer is an invited guest. The event, which will conclude on Oct. 1, is sponsored by the District Administration Leadership Institute.

Only a select group of superintendents from around the nation received an invitation.

"I'm honored to be selected and to represent superintendents from Connecticut," Palmer said Wednesday night. "It's an opportunity to have thoughtful conversations with other superintendents across the country, who face similar issues. What I glean from this, I will put to practical use in the district."

Travel expenses, airfare, hotel, meals and a 2010 institute membership are all covered by the District Administration Leadership Institute.

Event chairman, Randall Collins, past president of the American Association of School Administrators and a longtime superintendent of Waterford Public Schools, will lead the summit.

Daniel E. Kinnaman, president and publisher of District Administration magazine, which created the District Administration Leadership Institute, sent Palmer an invitation letter on June 4.

"This important two-day event will bring together top school district superintendents, specially selected sponsors, and industry thought leaders to engage in practical planning to help shape the future of K12 education," Kinnaman wrote.

The letter says the summit is meant for "professional inspiration" and "personal renewal."

"... the Summit's high impact program will inspire your thinking, and its luxurious resort setting will renew your energy," Kinnaman wrote. "Good food, engaging sessions, and ample time for reflection and relaxation promise to make Superintendents Summit 2010 an outstanding personal and professional development experience."

In the letter, Kinnaman told Palmer, "You have been identified by your state's executive leadership as an outstanding superintendent who should be invited to participate in the Summit and be considered for acceptance as a member of the institute."

Board of Education Chairman Darrell Trump believes Palmer's being chosen for the conference is further evidence that the Monroe Public Schools made the right choice when it hired her to lead the district two years ago. Trump was on the search committee.

"I think it's a tremendous honor," he said of the summit. "We always knew that when we went through the interview process with Dr. Palmer that she was a head above, and she just continues to add tremendous value with her dedication and her past degree of experience.

"To me, it's just another feather in her cap and a validation of what we see her accomplishing for our school district. I think Monroe and the school district are very lucky to have Dr. Palmer as our superintendent. She has steered the district in very turbulent times."