Orange-Ulster BOCES Board and Staff Members Honored by Mid-Hudson School Study Council

From left to right: Chad Boyce (Crisis Para Educator), Martha Bogart (Board Member), and Kathleen Smith
(Director of Career and Technical Education) receive Mid-Hudson School Study Council's annual Awards for Excellence.

Two Orange-Ulster BOCES (OU BOCES) staff members and one board member were recently recognized with Mid-Hudson School Study Council’s annual Awards for Excellence. Martha Bogart, Board Member, received an Award for Excellence for School Board Service, Chad Boyce, Crisis Para Educator, was given an Award for Excellence for Support Staff, and Kathleen Smith, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), was presented with an Award for Excellence for Administration. The winners received certificates and medals that were presented to them by William J. Hecht, Chief Operating Officer, at the OU BOCES October board meeting.

Martha Bogart has an impressive background in education, both as a teacher and board member, including 13 years as an OU BOCES board member, 32 years as a teacher in the Monroe-Woodbury School District and 40 years as a Goshen Central School District Board Member. Mrs. Bogart's greatest skill as a board member is holding the students at the forefront of every decision, while always evaluating the effect of every decision from the lens of the taxpayer.

Chad Boyce has been employed by OU BOCES for 14 years and has served 10 years in his current position as Crisis Para Educator. The primary goal of his position is to monitor the environment and prevent student crisis by creating predictability and safety in the school setting. He consistently and adeptly meets this goal with a positive attitude and is known to be a consummate team player. Mr. Boyce is a skilled instructor who holds great knowledge in the realm of crisis intervention and management.

Kathleen Smith also has an extensive 30-year history in education that includes roles as a teacher and principal. She now brings her talent of building relationships and fostering a nurturing school environment to a larger student body in her new position as Director of CTE. Her ability to leverage strong interpersonal relationships with children and the adults who serve them is a great asset to OU BOCES.

William J. Hecht, OU BOCES Chief Operating Officer, said, “We appreciate the talent and professionalism of these exceptional individuals and are honored that they are part of the OU BOCES family. They strive for excellence every day and are an inspiration to us all.”

The MHSSC was established in 1949 as a non-profit corporation to serve the needs of its member school districts in the Mid-Hudson Valley. From the nominations received, 27 award winners were selected, representing 12 different member school districts and OU BOCES.