Dr. Kathleen Binkowski received a Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 1995 from the Neag School and is currently a highly regarded professional in educational circles throughout Connecticut. Dr. Binkowski is admired by her colleagues for her honesty, conscientiousness and humility. She is a district leader, a leader in her profession and a trusted colleague. In her letter of nomination Anne Rash describes Kathy as an “accomplished educator and a dedicated professional”.

Dr. Binkowski has served the Plainville School District for thirty-four years. She began her career as a classroom teacher and, for the last seven years, has been the Chief Executive Officer. During her tenure she has raised student achievement and helped to develop and coordinate the transition from a junior high to a middle school teaching model. She instituted a school climate study that created a better learning environment. She has overseen numerous renovations and facility restructuring initiatives. She has encouraged diversity awareness by promoting a sister school in China and has encouraged the arts by creating a partnership with the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. While working with the BEST program she shared her successful experiences using action research to improve teaching and learning.

Prior to her appointment as superintendent, Dr. Binkowski received the Plainville Superintendent’s Award for Leadership Excellence for four consecutive years. In 1999 she was named a Bell Atlantic Scholar by the American Association of School Administrators. In 2005 she received the Outstanding Communicator Award presented by the National School Public Relations Association and in 2006 she received the Presidential Award from the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

Dr. Binkowski will be recognized at the Tenth Annual Awards Dinner of the Neag School of Education on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Anyone wishing more information about this event can call Lynne Allen at the University Alumni Center at (888) UC-ALUM-1, (860) 486-2240 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .