BOCES presents strategic-plan priorities and student testimonials to Fort Edward board

Trina Parker, representing BOCES, told the Fort Edward board that her organization is in a time of transformation and presented a strategic-plan summary emphasizing student pathways, staff recruitment and facilities operations.

"I'm Trina Parker," she said during opening remarks, and she described the plan as "future focused" with priorities to improve student experience, provide high-quality academics and support staff so the organization can sustain excellence. Parker said the plan includes reviewing programs and services across districts to determine what is needed and where BOCES should invest.

Students attending the meeting gave short testimonials about their BOCES experiences. One student (speaker 6) described joining the IT program and working on network projects and certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Network+. Another student (speaker 8) described advanced-manufacturing projects that used lathes and mills and allowed students to earn college credits and industry-relevant skills.

Why it matters: Board members and BOCES presenters said the programs provide professional pathways and technical skills that some small districts cannot offer in-house. Speakers emphasized adaptability in the plan to respond to shifting student and community needs and highlighted partnerships that bring extra programming into Fort Edward classrooms.

BOCES said it will show a short video summarizing the strategic plan and asked the board to review the materials; the board thanked presenters and students for showcasing the programming.

The board did not take formal action on the strategic plan at the meeting; presenters said they will continue outreach and follow up with video materials and written summaries for board review.