Dutchess BOCES is part of the statewide system of Boards of Cooperative Educational Services established in 1945. Through the cooperative efforts of our thirteen component school districts, Dutchess BOCES is able to offer a wide variety of education programs and support services to children and adults in Dutchess County. Not only are costs reduced by having two or more districts share in these programs and services, but participating districts may also receive BOCES state aid in the costs. This is in addition to local state aid. More important is the fact that such service benefits from professional advice and suggestions of component district personnel.
A Services Guide has been specially prepared to assist component school districts of Dutchess BOCES plan for and select the shared services needed during the school year. The services described in the Guide have a proven track record of high quality and cost effectiveness. Our goal is to continue and even improve this record in the current school year.
Upon district request, and with approval of the State Education Department, BOCES will develop additional services tailored to the needs of two or more districts. Suggestions for and questions about new services can be directed to the District Superintendent or the appropriate division head. For the convenience of district personnel who may have a specific question, the telephone numbers of the program administrators are listed with each general category of programs. Any BOCES employee listed in the Guide would be more than happy to consult with districts regarding the services listed.
In early January, districts should indicate the shared services they plan on requesting for the following school year so BOCES can be prepared to offer appropriate services. Final commitments for these services are due at later times in the school year. The "Request for Services Calendar" page of the Guide illustrates the cycle.