Annual BOCES Expo draws a crowd in Albany

On Wednesday, April 30, the marble halls of “the Well” in the state’s Legislative Office Building (LOB) were transformed into a showcase of talent, innovation and opportunity, as 29 of New York’s 37 BOCES gathered for the annual BOCES Expo. Event sponsor, Senate Education Chair Shelley Mayer, highlighted the critical role BOCES plays in shaping the state’s future workforce and economy, kicking off the program with a warm welcome for an enthusiastic crowd of legislators, State Education Department representatives, educators and students. Mayer also pointed out the ongoing fight for BOCES, as the state budget was not yet finalized.

Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa began her remarks with a commendation of BOCES educators: “I try to get here early and listen to the students. And, when the students share with me what they’re doing, learning—your smiles, your pride, it comes through. You are preparing for the future.” She praised the leadership and innovation demonstrated by BOCES programs in preparing students for both college and career, adding, “Our future is in great hands because you take such pride in the contributions and ensuring they are well known.”

Throughout the program, legislators underscored the bipartisan commitment to supporting BOCES, both in policy and in funding.

The call for increasing BOCES aid echoed widely, as changing a decades-old cap limiting aid to only the first $30,000 of aidable salaries is considered in this year’s state budget. While the cap does not restrict salaries themselves, it limits the portion of salary eligible for aid reimbursement. The data to calculate BOCES aid is outdated, much like Foundation Aid data. BOCES of New York State has been advocating for aid data and inputs to be up-to-date and reflect the needs of educating students today and in the future.

Assembly Education Chair Michael Benedetto summed up the prevailing sentiment succinctly: “It’s time we recognize it the way it should be recognized.”

Senator Dean Murray (3rd District) lauded the evolution of BOCES programs, stating, “We killed the stigma. Congratulations! BOCES students are going to college in record numbers. It’s the advanced kids going to BOCES programs.”

At the Expo, a recurring theme was clear: BOCES is not just an educational service—it is an economic engine, a convener of partnerships, and a builder of dreams. Whether through workforce development, college readiness or human development, BOCES continues to elevate opportunities for all New Yorkers and is vital to the state’s success.