John C Pennoyer, Ph.D
Interim District Superintendent
Terrence L. Olivo
Chief Operating Officer
Marguerite A. Flood
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel
Deborah McBride Heppes
Assistant Superintendent for Finance
Mary Ann Wilson, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
53 Gibson Rd.
Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 291-0100
A Message
From Orange-Ulster BOCES Chief Operating Officer,
Terrence L. Olivo
I would like to use this forum to explain how BOCES programs and services assist your local school district to help them provide optimum educational opportunities that are both efficient and cost effective.
What is a BOCES?
BOCES is an acronym for Board of Cooperative Educational Services, a regional public education service organization. Established in 1948 by the state legislature, BOCES provides high-quality, cost-effective educational services to school districts in New York State. BOCES also provides special education, career and technical education, adult education, professional development, instructional services, educational technology support, library services and a number of management services for component school districts.There are 37 BOCES statewide. Orange-Ulster BOCES first provided services to component districts in 1957 and celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
Where is Orange-Ulster BOCES?
The main campus of Orange-Ulster BOCES is located on Gibson Road in Goshen, NY. The complex consists of four buildings housing Special Education, Career and Technical Education, a Resource Center and Administrative Offices. In another location, the Harriman Learning Center houses the Technology Department, Professional Development and School Library Services. BOCES also provides educational programs in the Chester Learning Center, the Main Street School in Goshen, the Newburgh Adult Learning Center and the Middletown Adult Learning Center. Special Education programs are also provided in a number of satellites located in component school districts throughout Orange County.
How does BOCES work with local school districts?
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, office space, equipment and time. Sharing eliminates duplication and allows schools to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. 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 of residents. Together, through BOCES, districts can provide a rich variety of experiences for students of all interests and ability levels. BOCES opens doors to innovative and exciting programs at a price that districts can afford. BOCES also writes, receives and administers grants which help fund programs for students and staff in local school districts.
How are BOCES services paid for?
Except for administrative costs that are based on each school district’s enrollment, 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 eligible expenses to help offset the costs. Some BOCES services are directly funded by the state or federal government.
