BOCES Employee Newsletter

Broome-Tioga BOCES will launch a new All Staff Hub to provide employees with one central place to access essential information and resources.

Results from the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey reinforced the need for clearer communication and workflow across the organization. Employees and leaders shared that finding the right information often required searching multiple locations, which created frustration and inefficiency.

The All Staff Hub is designed to reduce confusion, eliminate outdated documents, and make it easier for staff to find what they need, when they need it.

The All Staff Hub will serve as the go-to location for commonly used materials, including forms, payroll calendars, attendance information, safety resources, employee benefits, and BOCES branding materials. All content housed in the Hub will be current, clearly labeled, and maintained on a regular basis.

The goal of the Hub is simple. Save time. Reduce frustration. Improve access to information across the organization. Employees will no longer need to search multiple locations, outdated shared drives, or old links to find critical documents.

Access to the All Staff Hub will be available through MyApps. Employees will click on the BT BOCES Staff Hub tile and then select the Staff Hub folder to enter the All Staff Hub.

Staff are encouraged to begin using the Hub as their primary resource once it goes live. More information about the launch will be communicated soon.

In 2022, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie visited Broome-Tioga BOCES and asked what would make the biggest difference for our trades programs. Dreaming big, we shared our vision for a dedicated trades complex, and they believed in it! Broome-Tioga BOCES was awarded $1.3 million to help bring that vision to life, and excitement quickly began to build.

As planning moved forward, we learned that state regulations require any construction on a school

facility, even with outside funding, to be approved through a capital project vote. That meant

bringing everyone to the table. Committees were formed, meetings were held with all component

districts, community forums took place, and a master facilities plan was created. One message came through loud and clear: if we were going to ask voters for approval, we should also take this

opportunity to address our long-term space needs.

In November 2023, voters did just that, approving a $46 million capital project to support our future growth. This was a huge milestone for Broome-Tioga BOCES and our programs.

Like all large projects, there have been a few bumps along the way, but the momentum continues.

Teams are meeting regularly with contractors, architects, and financial partners to make the most of every dollar and move the project forward. Thanks to careful planning and strong collaboration, this project is helping create modern, high-quality spaces that will support our students, staff, and trades programs for years to come.

This project is 99% complete, with contractors putting the finishing touches on the final details. Staff have officially moved in and are already enjoying their bright new workspace!

Demolition is now complete, and the former buildings and fuel tanks have been successfully

removed. This marks an important step forward in making room for what’s next.

Site work is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks for the addition, weather permitting. The area

behind the Education Center has been secured, and no vehicles, staff, or students should enter the

construction zone.

We are also excited to share that a groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for March 4 at 1

p.m. a great opportunity to celebrate this next phase of progress together!

This is the largest project in our capital improvement plan. While the building addition represents the majority of the work, additional improvements are scheduled to continue through 2031. The image below highlights the planned phases and long-term vision for the project.

Each year, Broome-Tioga BOCES honors one employee whose work reflects the values of service, integrity, and commitment to our schools and community. This recognition is known as the Ron Dougherty Award, one of the most meaningful honors presented at our annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.

The 2026 Employee Recognition Ceremony will be held on May 13. A highlight of the event will be the announcement of this year’s Ron Dougherty Award recipient.

Established in 2002, the award is named in honor of Ron Dougherty, whose decades of service left a lasting impact on education in Broome and Tioga counties. Mr. Dougherty served on the BOCES Board of Trustees from 1976 to 2006, including 20 years as president. His public service also included 11 years on the Tioga Central School Board, service as a Tioga County legislator, and leadership as a past president of the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association. He was instrumental in the creation of the Broome-Tioga Coalition for Education and received the regional Jefferson Award in 2003 for his commitment to community service.

The Ron Dougherty Award recognizes a BOCES employee who embodies the same spirit of dedication and selfless service. The recipient is someone who leads by example, demonstrates ongoing personal and professional growth, and shows meaningful involvement in our organization and community. This is an individual who does not simply speak about commitment but lives it every day.

All BOCES employees are encouraged to take part in the nomination process. If you know a colleague whose work, character, and service reflect the values this award represents, consider submitting a nomination.

The 2026 Ron Dougherty Award Nomination Form is linked below. Please submit completed forms to Tara Adee by Tuesday, April 14. Forms may be emailed or sent interoffice to Human Resources at mail code ISC2.

Your participation ensures that the dedication and impact of our staff continue to be recognized and celebrated.

If you or a family member is feeling overwhelmed, ESI EAP offers a wide range of stress‑management resources, including:

• 24/7/365 in‑the‑moment support from experienced Counselors at 1‑800‑252‑4555
  
• One‑to‑one telephonic coaching in Stress Management & Resilience
  
• Online resources at (www.theEAP.com/Educators-EAP)
  
• Stress Management & Resilience Trainings
• Financial coaching to help reduce money‑related stress

To speak with a Counselor or Coach, call 1‑800‑252‑4555.

To explore online tools and resources, log in at www.theEAP.com/Educators-EAP.

Thank you to the payroll team for the hard work put into implementing the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act for overtime, all while still delivering W‑2s ahead of schedule. This was no small undertaking, and the entire organization truly appreciates your dedication and effort.

Our Purchasing Department partnered with the Central Business Office to coordinate a New York State Department of Labor training on the regulations taking effect in 2026. The organization appreciates the strong collaboration between departments and their proactive efforts to ensure BOCES remains compliant with all DOL requirements.

The Budget & Finance Team had the opportunity to present “BT BOCES Budgeting 101” to the PLIC Leadership. We appreciate their interest and great questions.

Maria Majka and Molly St. John are now CPR/AED certified thanks to the Health & Safety and the PLIC Teams.

Our Payroll Team successfully completed, reviewed, printed, and filed more than 9,900 W-2s for our component districts, while the Accounts Payable Team processed nearly 1,000 1099s, ensuring accurate and timely reporting. The BFA Team is developing first draft budgets, and the Purchasing Team continues moving forward in the cooperative purchasing process.

Even during a quieter time of year, our Internal Claims Audit, Financial Support, and Accounting Departments remain hard at work providing the steady foundation our districts rely on. From carefully auditing invoices and keeping revenue and fixed assets on track to managing bank activity, check printing, and monthly treasurer’s reports, their consistent, behind-the-scenes efforts ensure everything continues to run smoothly.

In March, the CBO will host a luncheon with NYCLASS for our staff and component business officials. Attendees will learn how NYCLASS works and explore the strength and flexibility of its investment structure, gaining insights to support effective cash management. We look forward to this collaborative opportunity to learn and share ideas with our component districts!

We are hiring for a Payroll Clerk in our Payroll department. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit the BT BOCES website for more information.

On Feb. 26, 2026, Broome-Tioga BOCES will host the statewide Special Education and Career and Technical Education Summit on our campus.

You will notice a significant influx of visitors from across New York State, including educators, administrators, and state representatives. Parking will be at a premium throughout the day.

Employees based in the ISC building are asked to park in the upper staff lot on Feb. 26 to help accommodate our guests.

Please be courteous and patient as visitors navigate our campus. Many are unfamiliar with our facility, and your support helps ensure a positive experience.

Thank you for your cooperation as we showcase our programs and campus on a statewide level.

Students in our Broome-Tioga BOCES Agriculture Science II class recently headed out on our main campus - with the guidance of
Mr. Thompson - to put syrup lines into our maple trees. Amazing, considering the extremely low temperatures. Now they wait.

Lucas is a student in our Broome-Tioga BOCES LPN (Practical Nursing) program, and this time of year, students are often spread throughout the community during a phase called Alternative Clinical Experience. Lucas recently was assigned to the Nurse’s Office at our BOCES Education Center, where he performed a variety of duties. When we stopped in, he practiced taking a patient’s blood pressure with the help of Justine, one of our school nurses. He also assisted a student who was limited to a wheelchair today.

Each week our nursing students go to different sites and are offered varied experiences, including working in a hospital emergency room, an OBGYN office, and a dialysis clinic.

We were glad to have Lucas with us today, as his studies continue at Broome-Tioga BOCES, The Heart of Health Care Education.

On February 6, area special education officials from throughout the region gathered at Broome-Tioga BOCES for their monthly meeting, joined by state representation. But also, they were treated to breakfast at our Early Bird Cafe operation, which runs each Friday at our Education Center.

This includes ordering brown box items, allocating entitlement for USDA produce, and diverting bulk foods like cheese and chicken to approved processors. These items are part of the federal entitlement program, and the planning must happen now, there’s no opportunity to adjust once orders are submitted.

Our goal is to stretch every entitlement dollar as far as possible while supporting high-quality, cost-effective meals for students. That takes detailed forecasting, coordination, and thoughtful menu planning to ensure we’re ordering what each district will actually need and use next year.

Thank you to everyone involved in this effort. It’s a major lift that supports smooth service, balanced menus, and responsible use of federal resources across our region. It’s a complex process that requires careful planning now to keep things running smoothly next year.

Broome Tioga BOCES School Nutrition Services is hiring. Openings are available across multiple component districts. These positions support students each day by ensuring access to healthy, consistent meals in their local schools.

Part time and full time roles are available. All experience levels are welcome. Positions offer steady work, reliable hours, and schedules that align with the school day. For many employees, this means work that fits family life while staying connected to the local school community.

School Nutrition Services staff play a direct role in student success. Every meal served supports focus, attendance, and readiness to learn. These positions are essential to daily school operations.

To support recruitment, the Communications and Public Relations team produced a new recruitment video highlighting the impact and stability of these roles. The video is being shared across digital platforms to reach candidates throughout the region.

If you are looking for consistent hours, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment, consider applying.

After first launching during COVID, “SCRIC Tech Talk” has officially returned to Spotify. The podcast is hosted by Pat Hopkins, MITS Associate Coordinator serving Windsor and Harpursville, and Josh Ormsby, Associate Coordinator Employee Experience for the SCRIC.

Together, they blend practical technology talk with humor and easy conversation.

The podcast began during the pandemic as a way to stay connected. Episodes focused on helping staff and families learn new applications and tools needed to work and learn remotely. What started as a necessity quickly became a creative outlet and a new way to engage listeners.

Since then, the podcast has evolved. The duo took a break but decided to bring back “SCRIC Tech Talk” to showcase the work they do every day. The first episode of the reboot featured the Data Security and Privacy Team, with more teams planned for future episodes.

The SCRIC recently invested in new podcasting equipment, giving the show a polished sound with smoother in-person conversations. Other SCRIC groups have started using the equipment as well, including the SchoolTool team, which has launched its own podcast.

“The new equipment is nice and allows a better flow with conversations and makes us sound more professional and clean,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins credits Ormsby as the technical mind behind the show and adds that humor is part of the formula. “Who doesn’t like to have fun and make people laugh,” he said.

Ormsby said the original podcast reached beyond local SCRIC staff. During COVID, episodes helped not only employees but also parents across districts stay connected through technology. Along the way, the team learned podcast editing software that made production faster and more efficient.

The format remains simple. Useful information, playful banter, and real conversations about technology. Listeners from all over the world have tuned in, and the team plans to release a new episode every other month.

“SCRIC Tech Talk” is about using technology in a new way to teach, connect, and engage staff and anyone who enjoys learning about tech. “SCRIC Tech Talk” is available on Spotify.

The SCRIC Schooltool support team also recently launched a podcast, another tool the team is using to support districts. Hosted by Sarah Ciz and Jen Knickerbocker, it will highlight hot topics, training, tips, and tricks, along with opportunities for district listeners to get to know the team better and build long-lasting relationships.

The podcast can be found here:

The BT BOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Wellness Committee continue to advance work centered on employee experience, belonging, and organizational health. During the Jan. 22, 2026 meeting , members focused on shared learning, reflection, and next steps aligned to 2026 priorities.

Centering Dignity in Our Work

A key portion of the meeting focused on The Dignity Index and how language shapes workplace culture. Members explored the difference between respect and dignity, noting that respect is often earned while dignity is inherent. Through discussion and practice activities, the committee examined how everyday statements can either lower or raise dignity in conversations.

Participants reviewed sample workplace scenarios, rated them using the Dignity Index, and rewrote statements to increase clarity, empathy, and shared problem solving. The goal is practical. Improve how we communicate. Strengthen belonging. Reduce unintentional harm.

This work connects directly to the committee’s broader charge to improve the employee experience across the organization .

The DE&I Committee outlined four priority areas for 2026 :

• Continue reviewing facilities for accessibility challenges and needs
• Review employee sentiment survey data and use focus groups to better understand staff needs
• Increase awareness of affinity groups available to all staff
• Expand training opportunities, including department-specific bias training

These priorities will guide action planning in the months ahead.

The Wellness Committee has been reinstated with a clear focus on supporting healthy habits, balance, and overall well-being.

2026 priorities include:

• Launching a Wellness Committee website and resource hub for staff
• Sharing seasonal wellness opportunities and organizing resources by dimensions of wellness
• Reviewing employee sentiment survey data for insight into staff wellness interests
• Identifying additional strategies to better understand staff needs

The committee’s message is simple. Live well. Be well.

Get Involved

Both committees welcome staff participation. If you are interested in joining, starting an affinity group, or sharing an idea, submission links are available through the committee pages .

For more information:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Carla Murray
cmurray@btboces.org

Wellness Committee
Kerri Bullock
kbullock@btboces.org

Through continued learning, open dialogue, and action planning, these committees are working to ensure every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their strengths to BT BOCES.