Senate Resolution Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services

WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which are committed to enhancing the quality of education in the State of New York, and which enable our schools to offer excellent educational programs in the most efficient manner; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to be celebrated in March 2023; and

WHEREAS, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are an integral component of New York State’s public education system, providing special education services to more than 16,000 students annually, as well as career and technical education; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1948, the BOCES system has offered programs and services unparalleled in meeting the unique needs of New York’s students, school districts, business and industry; and

WHEREAS, Leaders of innovation, BOCES fund efforts in equity and inclusion, supporting professional learning for educators, and developing new programs and services to meet the changing needs of the state’s students and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization provides professional development to more than 200,000 educators each year; and

WHEREAS, A partner to both industry and higher education, BOCES collaborates with more than 2,000 colleges and universities, giving its students the opportunity to further their education at the post-secondary level; and

WHEREAS, In addition, each year, over 20,000 New Yorkers earn their high school equivalency and study English as a second language with BOCES services and programs; and

WHEREAS, The collaboration and efficiency exemplified by BOCES saves school districts more than $20 million annually through cooperative purchasing agreements and shared services to stimulate economic growth in communities; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, BOCES may look back with pride upon its humble beginnings, find just satisfaction in its purposeful growth, and hold true of purpose in its commitment to serving the educational needs of the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment and the significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

Adopted in Senate on February 7, 2023