When Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent James Richmond returned from his trip to Stockholm for a conference he told The Bay Net that the conference went extremely well.

“It was a great opportunity to compare and validate our direction and efforts in an international global market setting, as well as expose our system’s technological advancements and innovations to world leaders in education.”

In a press release earlier in December, announcing his invitation from Cisco to be a keynote speaker at the event, the release defined the relationship as an “educational partnership” between CCPS and Cisco.

“The educational partnership with CISCO was formalized in writing and approved by the Board of Education and the County Commissioners in 2003. Through this partnership, all students in Charles County Public Schools will have enhanced opportunities for academic success using Cisco Systems innovated technology, thereby making Charles County an even more attractive place to live, work and develop business. The ultimate objective of this collaborative partnership is to enhance teaching and learning and provide the best opportunities for all of our students.”  

In addition to his duties as a speaker, he was able to attend the Nobel Peace Prize dinner and reception.  The Bay Net asked Superintendent Richmond if he met anybody of note while on the trip. 

“I was one of 425 delegates invited to the conference.  Among the many colleagues I participated in the Public Services Summit with were: the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth; the Indian Planning Commission Secretary; the President of the Italian Region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia; the Dean of Education for Harvard University; the United Kingdom Secretary for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills; and the Egyptian Head of Education.”

According to Richmond, most of the expenses during the trip were covered by Cisco and the City of Stockholm.  Some expenses, however, were covered by the Charles County Public Schools.

“The school system paid for airfare ($728), hotel ($200) and incidentals (airport parking, tips, other per-diem related expenses, approximately $300).  While I have not yet reconciled the currency conversions, the total costs should be approximately $1,300, which are reasonable and consistent with national conferences that the Board attends and approves. The Board approved my participation during their October 9th meeting.”

The B