Albion resident named new Elba school superintendent

Staff Reports Posted 11 June 2015 at 12:00 am

Keith Palmer

ELBA – The Elba Central School has picked Keith Palmer, an Albion resident and a principal at Pembroke High School, to serve as its next district superintendent.

Palmer, a former school administrator at Kendall, is set to start at Elba on July 1.

“I look forward to working with the Elba Board, faculty, students and community to develop strong relationships as we work together to deliver the district’s vision and mission,” Palmer said. “Our first priority is the education of our students as we focus on curriculum and instruction. This will enhance our students’ academic achievement as we work together to meet the district’s academic and financial goals.”

Palmer is currently the principal of the Pembroke Central High School, where he has served since 2003. Previously, he was assistant principal at the Kendall High School, a position he held for 12 years.

Palmer began his career in 1987 as a math and computer science teacher at North Warren Central School in the Adirondacks. He also taught at the Washington Correctional Facility located in Comstock for two summers in both 1988 and 1990.

Palmer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Houghton College, and a master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He holds three New York State Certifications – a NYS School District Administrator, a NYS School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate and a NYS School Business Administrator Certificate.

Palmer’s career encompasses a variety of leadership accomplishments including developing Professional Learning Communities to build school/family communication and maintaining effective relations with union leadership.

“The Board is confident in selecting Mr. Palmer to lead Elba Central Schools,” said Tony Zambito, president of the Board of Education at Elba Central School. “His professional background, along with a deep understanding of many aspects of educational leadership, makes him an excellent fit for the staff and students of the district. The search process narrowed the field to three excellent candidates. The board values all of the participation and input from stakeholders and community members and is committed and proud of this decision.”