Board Update
Highlights
Honoring Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther's Commitment to Education
TheschooldistrictsofSullivanCountycametogetheron November6atSullivanBOCEStohonorAssemblywomanAileen Guntherforherunwaveringcommitmenttoeducationandthe well-beingofthecommunity.
Thegatheringwasatestamenttothedistricts’deepappreciation forhersteadfastadvocacyforpublicschoolsandherdedication toimprovingopportunitiesforstudents,families,andeducators. Duringtheluncheon,DistrictSuperintendentDr.RobertM. DufourpresentedAssemblywomanGuntherwithaslideshow highlightinghercollaborativeeffortswiththedistricts,alongwith asignandacertificateofappreciation.TheCulinaryArtsstudents preparedandservedthelunch,andtheWeldingprogrammade heramonogrammedsign
Giving Back for the Holidays
The staff at Sullivan BOCES came together once again this holiday season to support students in need, showcasing the true spirit of giving
The BackPack Program distributed holiday bags to 45 families, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and a food drive. These contributions ensured families had access to nutritious meals during the holidays. Members of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) partnered with the students and staff in the BackPack Program for the Thanksgiving Food Drive, collecting over 340 donations from CTE participants. The students also tallied contributions and assisted with deliveries, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact in their school community.
BOCES staff further supported families through a giving tree initiative, providing a special holiday for 52 families and 90 children. Their generosity ensured that each child received gifts, and that families enjoyed a brighter, more joyful season. These efforts reflect BOCES’ commitment to its students while bringing hope and joy to many during the holidays
Classroom News
New Playground Brings Joy and Fun to Elementary Students!
The elementary students are absolutely loving their new playground! It's been great to see them enjoying the fresh space, whether they're climbing, building with the blocks, or just having fun with their friends. It's a wonderful addition that’s bringing even more joy to their school day!
Elementary Students Collaborate on the Mystery of Roanoke Island
Elementary students played CSI with a History Mystery, investigating the leading theories about the fate of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. They worked together in teams, collaborating and presenting their findings. Two students excelled in teamwork and presentation, impressing their peers and teachers. As a reward for their outstanding effort, they each won shirts reading, "Roanoke Colonists: Hide and Seek Champions Since 1587
High School Students Explore Science with Engaging Chromatography Lab
Recently, high school students completed an exciting chromatography lab. The experiment allowed them to apply scientific principles while gaining hands-on experience in conducting experiments, recording data, and analyzing results. This lab enhanced their understanding of chromatography and its real-world applications in fields like forensics and environmental science. It was a highly engaging and educational experience that contributed to their growing scientific knowledge.
Spartan Club Builds Strength and Character with Weekly Challenges
Several students, ages 11-14, along with a few supervising staff members, have joined the Sullivan BOCES Spartan Club. The group meets weekly to engage in both physical and mental challenges. Students and staff ran the nature trail for 15 minutes this week without stopping! The club incorporates virtues and values from the book The Spartan Way and recently discussed the importance of making commitments The Spartan Club will continue practicing weekly until June, culminating in a Spartan Race at Bethel Woods
Career & Tech Center
AUTO BODY / AUTO TECH
Forty-two Auto Tech and Auto Body seniors completed their OSHA 10-hour General Safety Training. This certification is a significant asset for their future employment, adding another valuable credential to their growing portfolios.
CONSTRUCTION
The Construction Trades classes worked hard this fall on a major remodeling project for the Youngsville Fire Department, including installing new roofing, windows, and gutters, repairing vinyl siding, and adding Versetta stone siding. Their efforts not only enhanced the community but also taught them the value of pride in their work The Youngsville Fire District is grateful for their contributions, and the students earned valuable community service hours.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Early Childhood Education students learned that simple holiday crafts can help young children develop fine motor skills (cutting and pasting) and cognitive skills (spelling their names).
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
The Health Occupations II students are spreading holiday cheer to patients, families, and staff at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility.
2025-26 Budget Development
There are three components to the BOCES budget: administrative, capital/rental and programs/services
Annually, local boards of education review their district’s needs and make decisions about BOCES services. As districts’ needs change every year, decisions to purchase specific BOCES services also vary from year to year. The information each school district provides in its Initial Services Request response is critical to the BOCES budget development process.
Administrative Budget (Voted)
Capital & Rental Budget (Not Voted)
Three Components of the BOCES Budget
Administrative
The administrative budget supports the cost of the BOCES board of education and central offices, including the district superintendent, the business office and human resources The law also requires that all Other PostEmployment Benefits (retiree’s health insurance & Medicare reimbursements) be included in the administrative budget. This is another difference from a school district budget, in that the OPEB costs are included in a component district’s health insurance line items.
Capital/Rental
Similar to a school district, the BOCES has capital needs, including but not limited to roof replacements, sitework, building renovations, infrastructure upgrades and other similar capital project work that districts face. In addition, based on program needs and limited space on its main campus, the BOCES rents additional classrooms in order to accommodate program needs due to increases in enrollment. This is particularly true for Career & Tech programs based on the surge in CTE enrollment over the last few years.
Key Dates
10, 2025 -
Program/Service Budget (Not
Voted)
Program/Service
Each year, the BOCES collaborates with its component districts to establish coser offerings and approve the cost methodology for each program and service. A BOCES program budget is different from a school district budget because each coser must cover all of its operating expenses and generate its own revenues. Essentially, the BOCES has over forty mini budgets that are developed based on the needs of the participating districts.