E2CCG District Superintendent Dr. David O’Rourke joined fellow superintendents from across New York State on Feb. 26, for BOCES Advocacy Day in Albany. This annual event provides an opportunity for BOCES leaders to meet with lawmakers and advocate for critical education priorities.
A key focus of this year’s Advocacy Day was voicing support for S.528/A.3430, legislation that would amend the education law in relation to the salaries of certain teachers and aides employed by Boards of Cooperative Educational Services. This legislation aims to address salary disparities and ensure fair compensation for BOCES employees.
In addition, BOCES leaders advocated for several key priorities, including:
- Increased School Aid: Funding the Foundation Aid formula to at least the levels proposed by the Executive, including updated poverty measures, hold harmless provisions, and a due minimum increase.
- Updating the BOCES Aid Formula: Modernizing the decades-old calculation that limits eligibility for BOCES aid to the first $30,000 in salary, proposing an increase to $60,000 in aidable salary over the next three school years.
- Retaining Retirees in the Workforce: Extending for five years the authority of public sector retirees under age 65 to work for BOCES and school districts without pension penalties or income limits.
- Aligning Allowable BOCES Lease Terms: Aligning the authorization for BOCES to lease space from public entities to match the terms for lease agreements with private sector entities.
Dr. O’Rourke emphasized the importance of advocating for BOCES and the vital role it plays in supporting students and school districts.
“BOCES provides essential services and programs that enhance educational opportunities for students across New York State,” he said. “It is crucial that we continue to advocate for policies and funding that strengthen BOCES and enable us to best serve our students and communities.”
