Sullivan BOCES Celebrates 75 Years of Service to Students and Schools
Teacher Residency Program Launched to Support Aspiring Educators
Sullivan BOCES Honorees Recognized at the Annual Sullivan County School Boards Association Dinner
Sullivan BOCES Launches Alpaca Pulse to Promote Staff Wellness and Engagement
Cross County Reading Challenge Inspires a Countywide Love of Reading
RESTART Program Awarded Grant to Continue Supporting Students
The Edge is a publication of the Sullivan BOCES Communications Division
ABOUT SULLIVAN BOCES
Sullivan BOCES delivers a wide range of instructional and management services to its seven component school districts and several other districts outside the county Our three hundred staff members collaborate with our partners to develop solutions to educational challenges, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs We improve student success by providing quality educational experiences, helping students achieve their goals, learn skills, increase knowledge, and develop a work ethic for the 21st century
Nov 7 Conference Day
Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving (No Students)
Nov 27 & 28 Thanksgiving (BOCES Closed)
Dec. 22-Jan 2 Winter Recess (No Students)
Dec 24-25 Christmas (BOCES Closed)
Jan. 1 New Year's Day (BOCES Closed)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Linda Berkowicz, President - Fallsburg
Keith Stryker, Vice President - Tri-Valley
Erin Abplanalp - Liberty
Tammi Chaboty - At-Large
Linda Fisk - Rockland
Susan Horton - Monticello
Amador Laput - Eldred
Jackie Rutledge - Sullivan West
Allyson Smith - At-Large
Where Futures Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!
FROM CLASSROOM TO RETIREMENT
BOCES recently celebrated the career of Todd Kotkin, who has been a teacher in the Alternative Education program for the past eight years Throughout his time at BOCES, Todd has made a lasting impact on his students guiding, supporting, and inspiring them to reach their potential. His hard work, kindness, and dedication have shaped many lives.
GROWING TOGETHER: RECOGNIZING TENURED STAFF
Sullivan BOCES proudly congratulates its staff members who have recently earned tenure This important achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and lasting impact our staff have on students, families, and the wider community
Achieving tenure is a significant milestone in the education field. It represents years of hard work, growth, and an unwavering commitment to student success “Tenure is a testament to the hard work and passion our educators demonstrate every day,” said Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent of Sullivan BOCES “It represents not only their success, but also their continued commitment to helping every student reach their full potential ”
Todd Kotkin
A LASTING IMPACT: OUR EDUCATORS REACH MILESTONES
At the beginning of the school year, Sullivan BOCES recognizes staff members who are marking service milestones, celebrated at five-year intervals These milestones highlight each individual’s dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the success of our programs and students Together, these accomplishments demonstrate the strength, stability, and heart of the Sullivan BOCES community, built by individuals who make a difference every single day.
Thomas Moran, Amanda Irwin, Luis Rodriguez, and Kimberly Stahl Missing from picture: Magdalena Lezama and Christopher Sullivan
Fehim Basic, Jennifer Walsh, Tera Ditommaso, Victoria Ferguson, Megan Becker, and Stephanie Lark
Missing from picture: Jillian Smith
Heather Seyda, Martin Meyer, Tracy Magie, and Jennifer DeFrank
Missing from picture: Abbie Bivins and Janine Roser
20 YearsofService
Deborah Brissett, Joann Lare and Lisa Palmer
40 YearsofService
Debra Heidt-Dunwell
Gina Conroy
Missing from picture: Daniel Sullivan
"Our staff members, who have reached these incredible milestones exemplify the heart and soul of our organization," said Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES "Their dedication, whether it spans five years or four decades, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our mission and the positive impact they have on our school community We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, passion, and the countless ways they inspire those around them every day. Congratulations, and thank you for your remarkable service!"
INTERIM DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED
On October 21, the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education officially appointed Mr Michael Rullo to serve as the Interim District Superintendent, effective January 1, 2026, following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Dr. Robert M. Dufour, who will retire as of December 31, 2025
As part of the process, when a District Superintendent (DS) leaves a BOCES, the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department may assign a current DS from another BOCES to serve in an interim capacity For Sullivan BOCES, Mr Rullo was officially appointed as Interim District Superintendent by Betty A Rosa, Commissioner of the New York State Education Department.
Mr Rullo currently serves as District Superintendent of the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego (DCMO) BOCES, bringing a strong record of rural education leadership, strategic planning, and program development that aligns well with the mission and goals of Sullivan BOCES.
Dr Dufour has served the Sullivan BOCES community with dedication and vision since November 2017 His leadership has focused on expanding educational opportunities for students across the eight now seven component districts of Sullivan County, including advancements in Career & Technical Education and Special Education, as well as regional partnerships that strengthen community and workforce connections.
With Dr Dufour’s retirement at the end of December 2025, this transition period offers an opportunity to ensure continuity, bring in fresh leadership perspectives, and sustain strategic progress. Mr. Rullo will assume the interim superintendent role and will work closely with the Board of Education and Susan Schmidt, Deputy Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES, who will oversee the day-to-day operations during the interim period The Board anticipates that this time will also allow for thoughtful deliberation regarding the long-term leadership and direction of Sullivan BOCES
On behalf of the Board of Education and the Sullivan BOCES leadership team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Dufour for his years of dedicated service and wish him the very best in his retirement At the same time, we warmly welcome Mr Rullo and look forward to his leadership, collaboration, and vision as we continue working together to serve our students, families, staff, and component districts.
Mr Michael Rullo
SULLIVAN BOCES CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF SERVICE TO
STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS
This year, Sullivan BOCES proudly celebrates its 75th Anniversary, marking seven and a half decades of service, innovation, and commitment to students, educators, and the communities of Sullivan County
Since its founding in 1950, the Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) has been dedicated to expanding educational opportunities through shared services, innovative programming, and regional collaboration to meet the diverse needs of students From Career & Technical Education and Special Education to Adult Education, Itinerant Services, and Professional Development, BOCES continues to play a vital role in preparing students for success in college, careers, and life.
Over the decades, Sullivan BOCES has adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the region from introducing early vocational training in the 1950s to developing back-office management services, to innovative specialized programs and workforce initiatives in recent years Its programs have consistently reflected one core mission: to increase student performance across all component districts and communities through leadership, cooperative services, and collaborative efforts carried out economically and efficiently.
“Our 75th Anniversary is not just about looking back it’s about celebrating how far we ’ ve come together,” said Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent “BOCES exists because of collaboration For 75 years, we ’ ve worked side-by-side with our local districts to create opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce, and support our communities ”
For generations, BOCES has been a place where students discover their passions, educators find support, and communities see the power of shared purpose The 75th Anniversary is a celebration not just of history, but of the collective effort that continues to make Sullivan County a place where every learner has the opportunity to thrive
Missing from photo: Kelsey Franke, Kassandra Will, and Jenny Reyes
TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT ASPIRING EDUCATORS
In a collaborative effort to strengthen the teacher pipeline and provide hands-on experience to future educators, Sullivan BOCES is proud to announce the launch of a Teacher Residency Program within Sullivan County. This innovative initiative is designed to support individuals interested in becoming teachers by offering immersive classroom experiences, mentorship, and a clear pathway to dual certification in high-need areas
The program is the second phase of a teacher recruitment initiative rolled out in June 2024. This phase of the initiative is made possible through a $600,000 grant from the New York State Department of Labor and strategic partnerships with the MidHudson School Study Council, Mount Saint Mary College, and Sullivan BOCES. It provides county residents interested in becoming teachers with access to academic resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network of educators committed to their growth and success
“This program is a game-changer for those considering a career in education,” said Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent at Sullivan BOCES “By combining academic coursework with real-world teaching experience, residents will be well-prepared to step into the classroom with confidence and competence ”
The Teacher Residency Program is open to 20 individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are committed to meeting New York State requirements to become dual-certified teachers in high-need areas such as special education, English language literacy, math, or science through a stateapproved teaching program Candidates must be employed or eligible for employment in a Sullivan County school district or at Sullivan BOCES. Upon enrollment, participants will be required to sign a two-year commitment with their sponsoring district and work closely with mentor teachers, gradually taking on more responsibility throughout the school
Left to Right: Front Row: Nicole Olsen, Denise Yewchuck, Tyler Laput, Ryan Katz, Erin Corwin, and Susan Zieres Teeple, Director of Instructional Support Services at Sullivan BOCES Back Row: Andrew Kovalcik, David Gillmer, Ryan Rogg, Ronj Padu, Dr Rebecca Norman, Graduate Coordinator of Education at Mt St Mary College, and Corinne Macauley
year Successful completion of both their teaching certification and degree is required as part of the program
During the first phase of this program, Mount Saint Mary College played a pivotal role in supporting interested teacher candidates' academic journeys, offering flexible course schedules and personalized guidance to help participants navigate their path to teacher certification.
At this time, thirteen individuals have been officially accepted into the Teacher Residency Program These participants represent the first cohort of future educators who will embark on their journey toward dual certification. Their coursework began on August 27, 2025, marking an important milestone in the effort to build a sustainable teacher pipeline within Sullivan County In partnership with the Center for Workforce Development, a second recruitment effort is being done to fill the remaining seven seats
“We are thrilled to partner with Sullivan BOCES and the Mid-Hudson School Study Council on this initiative,” said Dr. Sonya Abbye Taylor, Chair of the Division of Education at Mount Saint Mary College “Together, we can cultivate a new generation of passionate, skilled educators who are ready to make a lasting impact on students' lives ”
SULLIVAN BOCES HONOREES RECOGNIZED AT THE ANNUAL SULLIVAN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION DINNER
On October 6, the Sullivan County School Boards Association (SCSBA) held its Annual Dinner Meeting at Villa Roma, where it recognized outstanding educators, friends of education, district employees, and retiring members of local Boards of Education. The event brought together school board members, superintendents, administrators, teachers, staff, and family members to celebrate those who make a lasting impact on education throughout Sullivan County.
Outstanding Educator Award
Darryl Emmett, Career & Technical Education Construction Trades Instructor, was named one of eight recipients of the Outstanding Educator Award a prestigious honor celebrating individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field of education
A graduate of the very same Construction Trades program he now leads, Emmett joined Sullivan BOCES in September 2021 and quickly revitalized the program into one of the organization’s most successful programs
His classroom has become a hands-on learning lab where students apply real-world skills to meaningful projects, including dugout renovations and roofing at Monticello High School, fieldhouse work at various local Fire Departments, and pole barn renovations at SUNY Sullivan Even small-scale projects, such as storage sheds, offer students opportunities to master framing, roofing, and finish carpentry
Under his guidance, the Construction Trades program has reached full enrollment with a growing waitlist, fueled by his commitment to career readiness and industry engagement He has built strong partnerships with local unions and employers, helping many students secure positions in the Carpenters’ and Painters’ Unions and in private contracting
“Darryl is more than an exceptional instructor; he’s a mentor, role model, and builder of futures,” said Jeffrey Molusky, Executive Principal of Career & Technical Education “His passion and commitment to his students are evident in every project, every lesson, and every success story that comes out of his classroom ”
Congratulations to Dr. Robert Dufour and Mr. Darryl Emmett on their well-deserved recognitions.
Thank you, Carol Blieferinch and Carol Park Your dedication, leadership, and service to the students and schools of Sullivan County will leave a lasting impression.
Darryl Emmett
Outstanding Friend to Education
The Outstanding Friend of the District Award was presented to Dr Robert M Dufour, District Superintendent of Sullivan BOCES, in recognition of his decades of service and unwavering support for education in Sullivan County
Dr. Dufour has dedicated nearly three decades to education in Sullivan County, beginning his career in the Eldred Central School District, where served in several roles before becoming Superintendent of Schools He la brought his leadership and vision to Sullivan BOCES, where he continues support all component districts with a level of dedication that goes far beyond expectations.
In his nomination, Ivan Katz, Fallsburg Central School District’s Superintendent, praised Dr Dufour’s responsiveness, professionalism, and tireless work ethic, noting that he is always available to provide critical information and guidance, “whether it’s at night, weekends, holidays, or even when he’s on vacation.”
“Bob is truly the wind beneath our wings,” the nomination read “Time and again, he has made a positive difference in helping us become better informed and resolve complex situations Having worked with several BOCES superintendents in my career, I can say that Bob stands alone when it comes to going above and beyond,” said Katz
Dr. Dufour’s leadership, mentorship, and steady presence have made a lasting difference for schools, educators, and students across the county His colleagues describe him as a true friend to education, whose integrity and commitment continue to strengthen the foundation of learning in Sullivan County
Retiring Board Members
The SCSBA also recognized and honored retiring members of local Boards of Education for their years of dedicated service to students, schools, and communities across the county
This year, Sullivan BOCES had two board members retire: Carol Bliefernich, representing Eldred CSD, and Carol Park, representing Roscoe CSD. These two individuals have devoted countless hours to guiding educational policy, supporting district leadership, and ensuring that all students have access to quality learning opportunities
BOCES extends its gratitude for their contributions and steadfast commitment to public education, noting that the work of Board members often happens quietly behind the scenes but has a lasting and meaningful impact on every classroom and student they serve
Missing from picture: Carol Bliefernich
Dr Robert M Dufour
Ann-Marie Foss, SCSBA Exec. Director and Carol Park
SULLIVAN BOCES LAUNCHES ALPACA PULSE TO PROMOTE STAFF WELLNESS AND ENGAGEMENT
Sullivan BOCES has rolled out Alpaca Pulse, a new staff wellness and engagement platform designed to support the well-being of every team member. Recognizing that a healthy and supported staff is critical to student success, BOCES has adopted this research-based system to listen to our educators and staff, respond to their needs, and celebrate their contributions
Alpaca Pulse is a tool built specifically for education environments that enables regular check-ins, meaningful feedback, and real-time insights. Rather than relying on long surveys, Alpaca uses short monthly “pulse” check-ins where staff share how they’re doing and the platform delivers actionable data to school leaders so they can respond deliberately The system also includes recognition tools and resources to acknowledge staff achievements and nurture a positive school culture.
Beginning this fall, the elementary staff at BOCES were invited to participate in monthly pulse check-ins through Alpaca Pulse These brief, anonymous surveys allow staff to voice how they’re feeling, professionally and personally, and provide a platform for leadership to identify areas of strength and opportunities for support In addition to the check-ins, the administrative team is planning to roll out recognition initiatives and supports informed by the data where needed.
By leveraging these tools, Sullivan BOCES can listen to its staff's voices and provide a meaningful way for them to share how they’re doing. The administrative staff intends to learn from the feedback to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for growth Allowing them to act on what they learn, whether that means arranging professional development, adjusting workloads, or providing recognition and resources. Ultimately, celebrating staff successes and progress, raising morale, and reinforcing a culture of positivity
Staff well-being is more than a nice concept. When educators and staff feel supported, heard, and valued, it leads to better student outcomes, improves retention, and strengthens the entire school community
According to Barbara Utter, Principal of the Elementary Programs at Sullivan BOCES, "The feedback we ’ re gathering through the Pulse survey is helping amplify voices in our school community that weren’t being heard before "
Over the coming months, the administrative team will share updates from the pulse check‐ins with staff, highlight “bright spots” found in the data, and launch targeted supports where needed All staff are invited to engage with the platform, speak openly in the check-ins, and take part in the celebrations and recognition activities that follow.
"With this feedback, we ’ re better equipped to strengthen relationships and support well-being across our elementary program," concluded Utter
To date, Sullivan BOCES’ Positivity Pulse is
CROSS COUNTY READING CHALLENGE INSPIRES A COUNTYWIDE LOVE OF READING
The Sullivan BOCES School Library System is once again inspiring students across the region to pick up a book and keep turning the pages through its Cross County Reading Challenge The program is designed to encourage independent reading and build a strong culture of literacy throughout Sullivan County schools
The challenge invites students to read books on their own, log each completed title through a simple Google form, and track progress in real time using Google Looker Studio Each logged book contributes to their school’s overall total, and both students and staff can participate to help their schools climb the leaderboard At the end of the challenge period, top readers and schools receive special recognition, including school banners presented at the biennial Sullivan County Youth Book Festival. Students are also eligible for prizes throughout the year, with the final day to log books for the 2025–2026 school year set for April 1st
“The impact has been remarkable. Last year, students collectively read an impressive 11,769 books, and this year ’ s challenge is already off to a strong start, with more than 3,000 books logged in just the first month,” said Sara Haynes, School Library Director at Sullivan BOCES.
The success of the initiative has even earned regional recognition: the program received the “Twila Snead Commitment to Excellence Award” from the Southeastern New York Library Resources Council for its outstanding contribution to literacy and engagement The challenge has proven to do more than boost book counts; it builds community Schools report that students are not only reading more, but also talking about books with one another, sparking conversations that extend beyond the classroom By combining friendly competition, school-wide participation, and public recognition, the Cross County Reading Challenge transforms reading into a shared celebration of curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning.
RESTART PROGRAM AWARDED GRANT TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING STUDENTS
The Sullivan BOCES RESTART Program has been awarded a $60,000 grant from Sullivan 180 to help offset the cost of clinical services to continue providing critical educational and support services to students who are working to overcome personal and academic challenges due to substance use
“We are incredibly grant funding from and Sullivan 180. Th allows us to contin essential services to who need it most,” Dr Robert M Dufou Superintendent at “This investment w real difference in h reengage with thei build confidence, a brighter futures for and their commun Substance use can to succeed in scho motivation, making up with classwork or perform well on tests Regular use can lead to poor attendance, declining grades, and disciplinary issues, while also increasing the risk of dropping out.
treatment for substance use disorders. The program serves students ages 12 to 21 who are either in the community or transitioning back from inpatient treatment and need a structured day program that combines academic learning with therapeutic support The program is comprehensive yet short-term and transitional, linking the family, home-school district, educational services, and treatment providers
For those returning from inpatient substance use treatment, RESTART helps bridge the gap between rehabilitation and school providing the crucial support students need during their reintegration. Students enrolled in the program continue to make academic progress while receiving ongoing treatment
Beyond academics, substance use affects a student’s emotional well-being and relationships with family, teachers, and peers When students struggle with substance use, their path to graduation and future opportunities becomes more difficult, highlighting the importance of early support, prevention, and intervention programs
For students struggling with substance misuse, the RESTART Program offers a school-based alternative to home instruction that integrates education with
The program also supports families by connecting them with counseling and community resources, ensuring that students and their families receive the help they need to move forward together.
