Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services

The agenda for the Cooperative Board Regular Meeting included a call to order, pledges, recognition of visitors, communications from the floor, correspondence, and reports, including the District Superintendent Update and Budget Presentation #2. Key action items involved an Executive Session to discuss employment history, potential appointments, collective negotiations, land transactions, litigation, or safety matters. The Consent Agenda covered financial reports (Treasurer's Report and Budget Adjustment Report for December 2025) and a comprehensive Personnel Report detailing retirements, resignations, unpaid leaves, various appointments (probationary, tenure, part-time, permanent), stipends, and terminations. Further action items included the approval of the Tentative Budget 2026-2027, the second and first readings of several Board Policies, approval of the Student School Calendar 2026-2027, and the approval of the Early College Access Agreement and Middle Settlement Academy Agreement.

This document serves as an evidence base for informing educational strategies and reforms related to college, career, and civic readiness. It synthesizes stakeholder input, identifying priorities such as the desire for multiple pathways, a focus on real-world skills, equity, inclusivity, and the simplification of diploma types. The core purposes and integration strategies include diverse pathways for mastery, complementary assessment systems, and a focus on deeper learning, supported by implementation pillars encompassing local development, teacher capacity and collaboration, and alignment with quality criteria. The report also emphasizes promoting educational equity, supporting diverse learners, and ensuring transparent communication and advocacy.

The 'NY Inspires' document outlines a fundamental shift in the New York State education system, redefining student success through the 'Portrait of a Graduate' model. This initiative aims to address equity and foster deeper learning by moving away from high-stakes standardized exit exams. Key transformations include adopting the Portrait of a Graduate, redefining credits and expanding learning experiences, establishing a single New York State diploma, and replacing traditional assessments with a 'menu of options.' The plan's objectives are to cultivate students as creative innovators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens, and reflective/future-focused individuals, better preparing them for college and careers in a changing economy.

This document explores "NY Inspires," a strategic vision by the New York State Education Department to fundamentally redefine student success from 2024 through 2029. The initiative focuses on moving away from high-stakes standardized exit exams towards a "portrait of a graduate" model, emphasizing relevant college and career skills, communication, resilience, and innovation. Key transformations include redefining credit requirements, expanding learning experiences beyond traditional classroom time, and transitioning to a single New York State diploma system with flexible, performance-based assessments. The vision aims to foster students as creative innovators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens, and reflective, future-focused individuals.

This program overview outlines the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Science Center's approach to transforming educational opportunities through STEAM-based inquiry and engineering experiences. Key components include providing K-5 science kits and digital resources aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards, curriculum development via teacher-led collaboration, and professional development in areas such as Three Dimensional Learning, NYSSLS implementation, and assessment strategies. The overarching goal is to inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators while equipping students with essential skills for a rapidly evolving world.