About OU BOCES and Frequently Asked Questions
Mission Statement
The mission of the Orange-Ulster BOCES is to serve our component districts and community in the development of continuous learners who will be successful in meeting the challenges of living in our society today and in the future. We will accomplish this mission in a cost-effective manner with a dedicated, skilled, caring staff providing quality educational services in a safe, nurturing and accessible environment
The term “BOCES” stands for Board of Cooperative Educational Services. BOCES is a regional educational service provider in New York State which functions as an extension of local school districts. BOCES is able to provide services that school districts may be too small to offer on their own or that would be more economical to offer collaboratively and share costs with other districts.
The function of a BOCES is to provide shared services to the component school districts in a manner that is cost-effective, efficient, and fosters equity for students. The Commissioner of Education has also charged the BOCES with providing leadership and support in developing the capacity of local schools to enable students to meet both the performance requirements of the New York State Learning Standards and the new graduation requirements. Typically, BOCES provides special education, career and technical education, adult education, professional development, instructional services, educational technology, library services and a number of management services for component school districts.
How Does a BOCES Work?
A BOCES helps school districts save money by pooling their resources and sharing costs. BOCES services are created when two or more school districts have similar needs that can be met by sharing staff members, office space, equipment and time. Sharing eliminates duplication and allows schools to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. That translates to real savings for taxpayers.
BOCES also expands opportunities for students. Alone, school districts may not be able to afford the educational programs they desire without increasing the tax burden on the residents. Together, through BOCES, districts can provide a rich variety of experiences for students of all interest and ability levels. BOCES opens doors to innovative and exciting programs at a price that districts can afford.
How are BOCES Services Paid for?
Except for an administrative charge that is based on each school district’s size, districts pay only for the specific BOCES services they use. These expenses are incorporated into each district’s annual budget. BOCES State Aid is applied to those expenses to help offset the costs. Some BOCES services are directly funded by the State or Federal government.
Who is Responsible for Running a BOCES?
The Cooperative Board consists of members who have served as school board members in their local school districts. The Board members are elected to serve three-year terms. The chief executive officer of a BOCES also serves as the District Superintendent of Schools and works closely with local school districts as both a liaison to and agent of the New York State Commissioner of Education.
Brief History of BOCES in New York State
In 1948, the New York State legislature created boards of cooperative educational services to provide shared services as requested by school districts in common geographical areas. The focus of this legislation was to enable rural school districts the ability to provide specialized educational services they could not previously afford. The incentive for school districts to participate in their BOCES was favorable state aid, such that local districts soon realized the advantages of working cooperatively. This regional structure is not unique in the United States, but New York set the pattern for shared services. There are currently 37 BOCES in New York State.
The Board of Cooperative Educational Services, First Supervisory District of Orange County was established on April 3, 1957. In 1964, Marlboro Central School District was added and BOCES became the “Sole Supervisory District of Orange and Ulster Counties.”
Orange-Ulster BOCES Today
The main campus of the Orange-Ulster BOCES is located on Gibson Road in Goshen. The complex consists of four buildings housing Administrative Offices, the Special Education Center, the Career and Technical Education Center, and a Resource Center. Students with disabilities are additionally served in programs located at Minisink Valley Central School District, Pine Bush CSD, Valley Central SD, Middletown Enlarged City SD, Goshen CSD, Florida Union Free School District, Chester UFSD, Warwick Valley CSD, Cornwall CSD and the Liberty Street School in Middletown. The Harriman Learning Center houses our Technology Department, Professional Development Services and Library Services. OU BOCES also provides programs for children and adults in the Chester Learning Center, the Main Street School in Goshen, the Middletown Adult Learning Center, and at 471 Broadway in Newburgh.
District Superintendent/Executive Officer Amy Bull Crist was the first District Superintendent in Orange County and of the Orange-Ulster BOCES when it was established in 1957. She held the position from 1940 to 1974, and for the first few years worked out of an office in her farmhouse. Subsequent District Superintendents were Emanuel Axelrod (1974 – 1993) and William J. Bassett, Ed.D. (1994 – 2001), Robert J. Hanna, Ph.D. (2002-2007).The current interim District Superintendent is John C. Pennoyer, Ph.D.; the previous Interim District Superintendent was Martin D. Handler Ed.D (2007-2008); The Chief Operating Officer is Terrence L. Olivo (2007-present).
Customer Service Customer Service is a priority for OU BOCES. BOCES offers individualized services tailored to a school district’s needs. Through collaborative efforts, the programs and services provided to schools and local communities reflect the best practices in education while remaining cost-efficient and effective. BOCES is the lead agency in helping school districts comply with New York State and federal mandates, and OU BOCES remains committed to the delivery of exemplary educational opportunities for young people and adults residing in the Orange-Ulster Supervisory District.