Dutchess BOCES welcomed new and returning employees to the 2025-2026 school year during the annual convocation on Sept. 2 at Salt Point Center. The event was an opportunity to learn about exciting plans for the agency going forward, as well as hear about successful summer programs and numerous upgrades to campus.
District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia likened every school year to starting a new chapter of a book asking, “What is the story we want to write together?” She encouraged staff to dream big, explaining, “We are moving into a new chapter for students, districts and the region.”
Taking a few moments to outline Dutchess BOCES Blueprint For Excellence, our 2025-2028 strategic plan, developed with input from many stakeholders, Dr. DeLucia shared that it was developed to address where BOCES wants to be in five to ten years.
BOCES four priority areas are:
- BOCES Leadership and Central Service Hub: We will position Dutchess BOCES as the indispensable regional hub, driving innovation, excellence, and growth across our component districts by pioneering cutting-edge programs, fostering best practices in leadership, and providing proactive, responsive central services that elevate educational outcomes and inspire our community.
- Talent Management and Development: We will strengthen recruitment, engagement and retention, beginning with onboarding, through enhanced professional development for current and next generation employees in service of students, and establishing a consistent cycle of communication.
- Student Engagement and Experiences: We will develop and expand access to innovative, inclusive, and student-centered BOCES programs for all learners to enhance student and community outcomes.
- Operations: We will develop and implement a comprehensive plan to enhance safety, upgrade facilities, technology, and increase student, staff, and community engagement across all learning environments.
Our priorities align with the state education department’s “NY Inspires”, a plan to transform education throughout the state starting with the roll out of an updated Portrait of a Graduate.
To support BOCES goals, a new administrative structure was created. New appointments include: Denise Dzikowski as the assistant superintendent for educational services, Rebecca Green as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instructional services, Michael Skerritt as the assistant superintendent for Business, Nicholas Millas as the director of Career and Technical Education, and Jackie Fama as the Director of Safety and Security.
In addition to welcoming the new administrators, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Norah Merritt welcomed the more than 80 employees who have joined the agency this year asking them to stand. “Each one brings a unique set of talents, a fresh perspective and a shared commitment to our vision.”
After the convocation concluded, staff were separated by division to partake in a variety of training and team-building activities.