Cooperative Board: Goals/Priorities 2008-2009
1. Improving Instructional Outcomes
In that it is the mission of Orange-Ulster BOCES 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 their society of the future, it is appropriate that the improvement of teaching and learning be among the BOCES highest priorities.
In support of this priority, the necessary steps will be taken to:
- Maximize student engagement in class;
- Promote and strengthen students’ use of technology in the learning
environment;
- Demonstrate, utilize and instill Teamwork strategies;
- Improve consistent student attendance; and
- Utilize data derived from NY State and other content specialty assessments
in decision-making aimed at the improvement of academic outcomes.
2. Facilities Management
As the ability of the BOCES to fulfill its mission is dependent, in
part, on the availability of appropriate and properly maintained facilities,
the following steps will be taken in support of the development of
a comprehensive plan that will identify near, intermediate and long-term
actions identified as necessary to ensure the continuing availability
of the infrastructure required to support programs:
- Engineering studies of the roofing systems of the Main Campus will
be analyzed and a five (5) year maintenance/replacement program developed;
- The HVAC control and delivery systems will be assessed with respect
to both effectiveness and efficiency;
- A proposal will be drafted, premised on identified need for the improvement
and development of outdoor athletic and activity fields; and
- Premised on current and projected enrollment, in combination with
programmatic requirements, both CTEC and Special Education instructional
and support space will be assessed and a plan designed predicated on
identified need, the calendar of which will ensure timely decision
and availability.
3. Health, Safety & Security
Acknowledging that the continued provisions of a healthy, safe and secure environment, as well as the promotion of behaviors consistent with positive growth and healthy development are among the BOCES’ most important responsibilities, the BOCES will:
- Continually monitor and review its practices in order to ensure
a safe and healthy learning environment for all students, faculty and
staff;
- Implement systems designed to monitor and control facility entrance
and egress that will be supported by the appropriate training and orientation
of all faculty and staff; and
- Ensure the effective integration of program, practice and curriculum
toward the consistent goals of security, safety and life-long health.
4. Communication
With full recognition that, in order for the BOCES to continue to enjoy the support and confidence of the Component Districts and the Community, it is essential that open, accurate and timely lines of communication be maintained, therefore steps will be taken to:
- Ensure the timely flow of accurate information between the BOCES
and all of its various constituencies as well as among and between
its divisions;
- Continue efforts to maximize BOCES positive exposure to the public;
and
- Utilize and capitalize on all available opportunities for exposure
afforded by technology, print and electronic media
5. Environmental Responsibility
As a large, complex organization dedicated to education and life-long learning, it is appropriate that the BOCES both utilize and promote practices that are supportive of a sustainable, healthy environment. In accepting this responsibility, BOCES will:
- Include the assessment of environmental impact, as appropriate,
in all decision-making;
- Strive to become as energy efficient as practicable;
- Given viable opportunity, utilize alternative sources of energy and “green” products
and supplies; and
- Ensure that instruction includes and supports the importance of environmental
responsibility.