2022 Annual Meeting Minutes

April 7, 2022 Annual Career & Tech Dining Room, RPEC Linda Berkowicz, President

Date Kind of Mtg. Where Held Presiding Officer

Members Present:Linda Berkowicz- President Linda Fisk - Vice PresidentCarol Bleifernich

Kenneth HiltonSusan HortonCarol Park

Cathy RussoAnthony SinacoreSimmie Williams

Members Absent:

Also Present: Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent; Susan Schmidt, Deputy Superintendent; Maria Sommer, Assistant Superintendent; Jennifer DeFrank, Director of Human; Vicky Ferguson, School Business Administrator; Donna Hemmer, Director of Communications; Megan Becker, Executive Principal; Jeff Molusky, Executive Principal; Linda Blanton, Executive Principal; Adam Riehl, Executive Principal; Jennifer Mitchell, School Business Assistant/Treasurer; Robert Cosh Director of Operations & Network Administration; and Jean Hewlett, District Clerk.

I Welcome: Dr. Robert M. Dufour, District Superintendent welcomed the board members and other attendees.

II. Pledge to the Flag: Dr. Dufour led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. Opening Remarks / Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Linda Berkowicz at 6:05 pm. Mrs. Berkowicz welcomed those present and thanked them for their attendance and continued support of Sullivan BOCES.

IV. Appointment of Clerk ProTem: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approved the appointment of Robert M. Dufour as Clerk ProTem in the absence of Jean Hewlett, Board Clerk. Motion by Ken Hilton, second by Susan Horton. Final Resolution: The motion carried Yes: Anthony Sinacore, Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Kenneth Hilton, Linda Berkowicz, Linda Fisk, Simmie Williams, Susan Horton, Cathy Russo.

V. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the District Superintendent the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education approves the April 8, 2021, Annual Board Meeting Minutes. Motion by Laurie Orisano-James (Monticello CSD), second by Linda Berkowicz (Sullivan BOCES) Final Resolution: The motion carried Yes: Anthony Sinacore, Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Kenneth Hilton, Linda Berkowicz, Linda Fisk, Simmie Williams, Susan Horton, Cathy Russo.

VI. Introductions of Candidates for Election to the Board: Dr. Robert Dufour introduced each of the candidates up for election this year. Each candidate briefly introduced themselves to all who were present.

• Kenneth HIlton was nominated by the Sullivan West CSD

• Carol Park was nominated by the Roscoe CSD

• Keith Stryker was nominated by the Tri-Valley CSD

VII. Presentation of the 2022-23 Administrative & Services Budget: Susan Schmidt, Deputy Superintendent reviewed the 2022-2023 Administrative and Services Budget that will be put to vote by each of the districts on April 12, 2022.

VIII. Announcements of Raffles & Grand Prize: Dr. Robert Dufour pulled the winners' names for each of the prizes made by the BOCES students for the event.

IX. Adjournment: 6:43 PM: Motion by Ken Hilton, second by Susan Horton Final Resolution: The motion carried Yes: Anthony Sinacore, Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Kenneth Hilton, Linda Berkowicz, Linda Fisk, Simmie Williams, Susan Horton, Cathy Russo.

Respectfully submitted, Jean Hewlett, Clerk of the Board

Mission Statement

Sullivan BOCES is an innovative, county-wide educational service agency, providing leadership, cooperative services, and collaborative opportunities for students, school districts, and community organizations. We promote student success, equity and inclusion for all, while meeting the diverse needs of our students and rural communities.

What is a BOCES?

BOCES stands for Board of Cooperative Educational Services. A BOCES is able to provide services that school districts may be too small to offer on their own or that are more economical to offer collaboratively, sharing costs with other districts. The function of a BOCES is to provide shared services to the component school districts in a manner that is effective, efficient, and fosters equity for all students.

How are BOCES services paid for?

School districts pay only for the specific BOCES services they use. These expenses are incorporated into each district’s annual budget.

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 spaces, equipment, time, and other resources. This allows schools to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively which 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 their residents. Together, through the BOCES, districts can provide a rich variety of experiences for students of all interests and ability levels.

Who is responsible for running a BOCES?

The BOCES Board of Education members are elected to serve three-year terms. The Chief Executive Officer of a BOCES also serves as District Superintendent of Schools and works closely with local school districts as an agent of the New York State Commissioner of Education.

Sullivan BOCES is committed to providing quality cost-effective services to its eight component districts.