Palmer’s Past Evaluations Have Been Excellent

Performance evaluations for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Judith A. Palmer have been excellent and when the budget was tight last year she took a salary freeze.

Those are some of the highlights of the superintendent’s annual evaluations going back to 2006.

Background

Palmer’s contract with the Oxford School District was voided in May, after the school board’s attorney told members Palmer’s contract included language that allowed it to be automatically renewed. That’s illegal, the school board decided.

Palmer’s contract was set to expire June 30. The school board’s move touched off a controversy in town, with some residents saying the school board was merely trying to run Palmer out of town.

Palmer’s employment has been extended through July.

Board Chairman Rose McKinnon said the extension in Palmer’s employment will give the board time to conduct a performance review for Palmer, as required by law.

She said the board can then start talking about whether to issue a new contract for Palmer.

Past Evaluations

Through a request under the state Freedom of Information Act, the Valley Independent Sentinel obtained the last four years of performance evaluations for Palmer.

In 2009, Palmer took a salary freeze and for the second half of the year and also did the job as superintendent and business manager. She also developed an Internet Safety program and developed a partnership between Oxford High School and and Southern Connecticut State University to mentor students.

The evaluation mentions that Palmer had a situation,’‘ with communication with the business manager (who resigned mid-year). The evaluation asks that she establish a
meeting schedule,’‘ with the business manager and then send reports to the appropriate school board subcommittee or to the full board.

The Board of Education said Palmer consistently exceeded expectations.” The board recommended extending her contract for an additional two years, to Aug. 31, 2013.

In 2008, Palmer was given high grades for the opening of the new Oxford High School and for starting an alert system in the schools to notify parents of
emergencies.

At that time the board recommended her contract be extended for three years.

In 2007, Palmer was told she met and exceeded,’‘ her goals and that she was on top of construction of the high school. She also sent in state reports on time and
developed a program of studies at the high school.

Her interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as her sincere and caring nature are among a variety of her personal and professional assets,’‘ the evaluation noted.

In her 2006 evaluation, it was noted that Palmer meets all aspects of planning, management and organization.’‘ She was also given high grades for watching over
the construction at the high school.

Considering the many facets of this project and constant challenges and hurdles that would arise — Dr. Palmer stayed the course – overcame barriers and is on target. Excellent job,’‘ the evaluation said.

The only negative note in the 2006 evaluation was that the board and the superintendent need to collaborate on 06/07 goals addressing the explanation
and presentation of budget to the community.’‘

It also noted that Palmer was responsible for getting a $150,000 grant for the high school for a fiber optic cable.

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