Educational Partners
Eldred Central School
Scott Hallock, Board President
Traci Ferreira, Superintendent
Fallsburg Central School
Fiorella Muscia, Board President Ivan Katz, Superintendent
Liberty Central School
Matthew DeWitt, Board President Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent
Livingston Manor Central School
James Buck, Board President John Evans, Superintendent
Monticello Central School
Timothy Crumley, Board President Matthew Evans, Superintendent
Roscoe Central School
Gary Dahlman, Board President John Evans, Superintendent
Sullivan West Central School
Rose Joyce-Turner, Board President
Kathleen Bressler, Superintendent
Tri-Valley Central School
Keith Stryker, Board President
Erin Long, Superintendent
Commissioner of Education
President of the University of the State of New York
89 Washington Avenue, Room 111
Albany, New York 12234
E-mail: commissioner@nysed.gov
Twitter:@NYSEDNews
Tel: (518) 474-5844
February 2025
Dear Members of the Cooperative Boards of New York State:
In every corner of our state, students, families, and educators look to our public education system as a source of opportunity, stability, and promise. At a time when education is at the center of national and state conversations, one thing remains clear our collective responsibility to provide every student with a highquality education that prepares them for future success.
As we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles of equity, opportunity, and access for all students. This commitment is not just an aspiration it is a responsibility enshrined in state law, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the support and resources necessary to achieve their full potential.
New York’s Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) stand at the forefront of this mission. They are not only critical partners in implementing the State’s education priorities, including transforming education in our state by implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, what we call “New York Inspires,” 1 but are also as essential drivers of workforce development, ensuring that students are prepared to meet the demands of an evolving economy. As I travel the state visiting many BOCES, I see firsthand how you are accomplishing this critical work through pioneering regional collaborations that expand access to advanced coursework, integrating K-12 education with higher learning through early college opportunities, and preparing students for meaningful careers through career and technical education (CTE).
In recognition of this, NYSED’s legislative and budget priorities include $53.8 million to increase the salary limit for BOCES aid, enabling more students to access CTE programs that lead to high-demand careers. Additionally, expanding dual enrollment remains a priority as we work with our partners in state government to propose a College in High School Opportunity Fund supporting Smart Scholars, P-TECH, and locally designed programs that will allow more students to earn college credit with academic and counseling support. NYSED also recently published a first of its kind BOCES Early College Access Cooperative Service Agreement (CO-SER) to partner with higher education to increase early college opportunities, especially for students who would otherwise not be able to afford it
The success of New York’s students depends on the continued partnership between NYSED, the Board of Regents, BOCES, school districts, and community stakeholders. In the words of author Ryunosuke Satoro, "individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
Best wishes for a continued successful and transformative year ahead.
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa Commissioner
1 https://www.nysed.gov/news/2024/state-education-department-announces-ny-inspires-plan-transform-education-new-
Administrative Team
Robert M. Dufour, Ed. D.
District Superintendent
Senior Management Team
Susan A. Schmidt
Deputy Superintendent
Maria Sommer
Assistant Superintendent
Jennifer DeFrank
Executive Director of Human Resources
Vicky Ferguson Executive Director of Finance & Business Services
Management Team
Robert Cosh Director of Operations & Network Administration
Tera DiTommaso
Assistant School Business Manager & CBO Coordinator
Sara Haynes Director of School Library Systems
Donna Hemmer Director of Communications
Kurt Mall Director of Facilities
Danielle Mann Director of Human Resources
Jennifer Mitchell
Assistant School Business Manager & Treasurer
Dawn Parsons Director of Food Services
Susan Zieres Teeple Director of Instructional Support Services
Instructional Administrators
Executive Principals
Megan Becker Elementary Programs
Linda Blanton Secondary Programs
Jeffrey Molusky Career & Technical Education
Adam Riehl Administration
Principals
Kathleen Wilcox Career & Technical Education
Assistant Principals
Nikki Grant Secondary Programs
Barbara Henderson Elementary Programs
March 21, 2025
Where Futures Begin & Dreams are Achieved!
Dear Fellow School Board Members,
Welcome!
It is my pleasure to once again invite you to the Sullivan BOCES Annual Meeting and Dinner on April 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Career & Techncial Education Dining Room of the Rubin Pollack Education Center, located at 52 Ferndale-Loomis Road in Liberty.
This year’s event will begin with a reception where you can view a sampling of your students’ work and speak with Career & Tech students and instructors. If the weather is kind to us, there may also be live representatives from the Animal Science Program.
At 6:00 PM, we will begin our annual business meeting and dinner. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet the candidates for the BOCES Board and review the proposed 2025-2026 administrative, capital, rental, and program budgets.
Finally, the highlight of the evening will be another fabulous dinner prepared by students in our Culinary program. Whether this is your first time attending or you’ve been here before, this is an experience not to be missed!
I hope you have continued to receive the BOCES Board Update, which is sent to you electronically, and that you find the information valuable and informative.
We look forward to seeing you on April 10th for this Annual BOCES Event.
Sincerely,
Linda Berkowicz Sullivan County BOCES Board President
Board of Education
Linda Berkowicz
Keith Stryker
Jean Hewlett President, Fallsburg Vice President, Tri-Valley Board Clerk, Sullivan BOCES
Carol Bliefernich, Eldred
Jackie Rutledge, Sullivan West
Tammi Chaboty, At-Large Vacant, Liberty
Linda Fisk, Livingston Manor Vacant, Roscoe
Susan Horton, Monticello
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.
A Message from the District Superintendent
Dear Colleagues and Board Members:
We are thrilled to share some significant and positive developments at Sullivan BOCES that enhance the educational opportunities for all our students for the 2025-2026 school year.
First and foremost, we are deeply committed to providing exceptional support for our students with special needs. To that end, we have strategically expanded our special education program. This expansion includes a strategic decision to relocate certain general education classes to SUNY Sullivan in the upcoming school year. We believe that this will help foster a unique learning environment for our students and allow them access to many of the college resources. The expansion of our partnership and use of shared space with SUNY Sullivan will enable us to create much-needed space within our existing facilities to accommodate additional special education classes, SPARC, the Restart program, and a further expansion of our Middle School ITAP program, ensuring students have access to vital support services.
We are also excited to announce the launch of two new and highly anticipated Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Esthetics and HVAC. We are also looking to expand existing programs such as welding and electrical to accommodate more students. These programs are designed to equip our students with valuable skills and knowledge that directly translate to in-demand careers. These additions will provide our students a broader range of pathways to achieve their post-secondary goals. Furthermore, we proudly report that our overall CTE program is experiencing record enrollment. This remarkable growth speaks to the quality of our programs, the dedication of our instructors, and the increasing demand for skilled workers in various trades. We are committed to developing and expanding our CTE offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students and the workforce.
In addition to these exciting updates, we are pleased to remind our partner districts about the availability of the Early College Access Coser program in which participating districts can take advantage of BOCES aid on tuition if the district covers the tuition costs. This is an excellent opportunity for districts to access high-quality educational services while receiving financial support to help make these opportunities more affordable.
We have also been actively visiting our component districts to share information on enrollment numbers and service utilization statistics. These visits allow us to engage directly with our districts, provide updates on current trends, and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students across our region.
These advancements represent our ongoing commitment to providing every student a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. We are dedicated to fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and career readiness.
We appreciate your continued support and partnership as we strive to create a brighter future for our students.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Dufour, Ed.D.
District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer
Robert M. Dufour, Ed. D.
2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
Annual Board Meeting (Thursday, April 11, 2024)
Generated by Jean Hewlett on Monday, April 15, 2024 Members present: Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Linda Berkowicz, Susan Horton, Anthony Sinacore, Keith Stryker, Jackie Rutledge Members absent: Simmie Williams, Linda Fisk
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM 1. Meeting Opening: Informational: 1.01 Pledge and Welcome Dr. Dufour welcomed all those present and thanked them for attending. Madison Morales, a BOCES Public Safety student, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Opening Remarks/Call to Order: Informational, Procedural: 2.01 Call to Order Mrs. Berkowicz called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm, she then thanked all those present for attending the annual meeting and explained the agenda for the evening.
3. Approval of Minutes: Action, Minutes: 3.01 Approval of the April 13, 2023 Annual Board Meeting Minutes BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sulivan BOCES Board of Education approves the minutes of the Annual Board of Education Meeting held on April 13, 2023. Motion by Anthony Sinacore, second by Jackie Rutledge. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Linda Berkowicz, Susan Horton, Anthony Sinacore, Keith Stryker, Jackie Rutledge
4. Introduction of Candidates for Election to the Board
Informational: 4.01 Ronald Acosta - Member at Large Candidate
Mr. Acosta introduced himself, noted that he is a plumber, and shared some of the reasons why he is interested in being a member of the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education.
Informational: 4.02 Karen Billing - Member at Large Candidate
Mrs. Billig introduced herself, noted that she is a former Fallsburg teacher, and shared some of the reasons why she is interested in being a member of the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education.
Informational: 4.03 Tammi Chaboty - Member at Large Candidate
Mrs. Chaboty introduced herself, noted that she is a current member of the Tri-Valley School Board, and shared some of the reasons why she is interested in being a member of the Sullivan BOCES Board of Education.
Informational: 4.04 Linda Berkowicz - Fallsburg CSD Candidate
Mrs. Berkowicz reintroduced herself as a current Sullivan BOCES board member and Board President.
Informational: 4.05 Linda Fisk - Livingston Manor CSD Candidate
Mrs. Fisk was unable to attend the event but sent a brief statement that was read by the board clerk on her behalf.
5. Administrative and Services Budget: Informational: 5.01 Presentation of the 2023-2024 Administrative and Services Budget
Susan A. Schmidt, Deputy Superintendent, and Victoria Ferguson, Executive Director of Finance and Business Services, presented the 24-25 Administrative and Services Budget to all those present. A copy of this presentation can be obtained from the BOCES Business Office.
6. Announcements: Informational: 6.01 Raffles
Victoria Ferguson, Executive Director of Finance and Business Services, and Kathleen Wilcox, Assistant Principal of CTE, announced the winners of the gifts made and offered by the BOCES Students.
7. Adjournment: Action: 7.01 Adjournment
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Annual Sullivan BOCES Board of Education meeting be adjourned till next year. Motion by Keith Stryker, second by Anthony Sinacore. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Carol Bliefernich, Carol Park, Linda Berkowicz, Susan Horton, Anthony Sinacore, Keith Stryker, Jackie Rutledge
Respectfully submitted, Jean Hewlett, Clerk of the Board
Glossary of Terms
BOCES Board of Cooperative Educational Services
Coser Cooperative services applications for every BOCES service, whether aidable or not, must be filed and approved by the State Education Department before the shared service is provided.
F.T.E. Full Time Equivalent
Itinerant BOCES staff members, both certified and specialty Services support personnel, are shared between school districts. This service can be received at the local school, a BOCES site, or a neutral location. Services can be provided during certain hours of the day, certain days of the week, or certain periods during a school year. Services must not exceed 60% of a full-time service.
R.W.A.D.A. Resident Weighted Average Daily Attendance
Services Any activity or program provided as described in an approved application which is supported by funds in the service section of a BOCES budget. There may be a number of identifiable elective functions with any given service.
Shared A service in which two or more school districts
Service participate. Sharing is a requirement in order for the cost of a service to be eligible for BOCES aid.
Where Future Begin & Dreams Are Achieved!
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
GENERAL COSTS OF ADMINISTRATION
Administrative Services & Facilities
Coser
Career
Please Note: The
Coser 206.300 - ITAP Program
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
$6,723,295
Coser 208 - Summer Program - Handicapped
Please Note:
REVENUES:
Coser 702 - Speech Services
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Related Services
Coser 703 - Counseling Services
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Transfer from
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Coser 705 - Occupational Therapy Services
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Coser 706 - Teacher of Visually Impaired
Please Note:
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Coser 710 - Nursing Services
Coser 304 - Teacher of the Blind
$147,881
Coser 320 - Physical Therapy
$168,445
REVENUES:
Coser 325 - School Food Management
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Coser 330 - School Business Manager
Please Note:
$8,379
REVENUES:
Coser 335 - Shared HR/ Talent Ed Support
Please
$255,696
REVENUES:
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Services
Please
Coser 405 - Early College Education
$112,426
Coser 406 - Alternative GED
Please Note: The
Instructional
Coser 407 - Alternative Middle School Program
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Services
$479,590
Coser 408 - Alternative High School Program
Please Note:
$2,397,950
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Services
Coser 410 - SPARC - Supplemental Program for at Risk Children
Plus participation - daily student rate of $360
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Services
Coser 410.010 - IDT - Intensive Day Treatment
Plus participation - daily student rate of $370
$279,897
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Services
Coser 457 - Distance Learning
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional
Please
Coser 501 - Community Schools
Instructional
$15,542
REVENUES:
Coser 529 - School Library Support
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Support Services
Coser 550 - Learning Tech
$333,067
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional
Please
Coser 551 - School Improvement
Instructional
$358,643
Coser 551.050 - Positive Behavior Intervention & Support
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Support Services
Coser 551.070 - Tech Integration Specialist
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Support Services
Coser 551.080 - Education Data Management
Please Note: The
Instructional
REVENUES:
Coser 553 - Library Automation
Costs Based on Number of Libraries
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Instructional Support Services
$186,292
Please Note:
Coser 557 - Model Schools
Instructional Support Services
$150,885
Coser 602 - Health & Safety Coordination
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Coser 625 - Cooperative Recruitment
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Please Note: The
Coser 635 - Central Business Office
Management Services
$1,496,200
REVENUES:
Coser 640 - Shared Facilities Services
Please Note: The projected figures are based on the Initial Services Request.
Management Services
$139,392
2025-2026 Summary of Projected Programs & Services
Percent of Budget
Estimated Revenues from Districts for 2025-2026 (Initial Services Requests)
Estimated Revenue for 2025-2026
Facilities: Projected Rentals
FACILITIES RENTAL
Role of the BOCES District Superintendent
The District Superintendent of Schools serves two roles:
District Superintendent of the State Education Department and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Cooperative Educational Ser vices
Examples of the services performed in carrying out this responsibility for the state and local community are:
Assists with school districts experiencing serious problems as a representative of the Commissioner of Education.
Conducts school registration reviews for schools within the Supervisory District, as well as schools in New York City.
Provides support for the Regents and State Education Department School Reform initiatives through meetings, monitoring, and coordination of staff from the State Education Department.
Conducts searches for Superintendents of Schools, as well as other administrative staff at the request of the component districts.
Assists districts with reorganization, annexation or the expansion of shared services to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the instructional program.
Resolves boundary disputes between neighboring districts.
General administration of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
Fills vacancies on the Boards of Education where boards do not take action to fill the vacancies.
Administers oaths and takes affidavits.
Approves building plans for new construction.
Attends meetings regularly with the Commissioner of Education and staff.
Provides annual reports to the Commissioner of Education of activities in the supervisory district.
District Superintendent Summary
Compensation/Benefit Provisions for District Superintendent of Schools
Sole Super visor y District of Sullivan County and Chief Executive Officer
Sullivan County Board of Cooperative Educational Ser vices
The District Superintendent’s total initial salary for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 shall be $167,371. The State Education Department also provides a salary of $43,499 for responsibilities as District Superintendent.
Provisions in the budget will support either:
a) Reimbursement for actual district related mileage, or
b) The use of a district vehicle, with the specific application to be determined by the employment agreement with the District Superintendent.
The total budget for contractual and other expenses is broken into the following amounts:
$17,325 for conference, meeting, workshop and seminar expenses including functions required by the State Education Department
$3,450 for professional memberships and subscriptions
$2,220 for other contractual services
$1,000 for printing related expenses
Sick leave and vacation leave provisions are consistent with similar benefits available to the management confidential staff of the State Education Department.
