The 2026-27 school year kicked off with Capital Region BOCES employees gathering both in person and virtually across the state on Wednesday, Sept. 9. In addition to welcoming remarks, the event offered a chance to reconnect and celebrate the start of a new academic year.
During the kickoff, District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer Lauren Gemmill and Deputy District Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Elizabeth Wood highlighted achievements across divisions and departments while outlining the initiatives that will guide us in the year ahead.
The presentation reinforced BOCES’ core commitments, emphasizing the role every employee plays in supporting school districts and students throughout the region.
Thank you!
Lauren Gemmill began her remarks with two simple words: “thank you.” She expressed her appreciation for all that BOCES staff does to fulfill the organization’s mission. Ms. Gemmill emphasized that while the organization is prioritizing growth through the Enterprise Goal of Growing People, Growing Service, that doesn’t necessarily mean “doing more,” it means leaning into improvement, with the right tools, resources and professional support.
Ms. Gemmill explained that while the educational landscape is shifting quickly with the integration of artificial intelligence and the transformations expected under NY Inspires, it’s an exciting time to be at BOCES. We have the vision, talent and heart to turn these massive shifts into defining opportunities, for both our component districts as well as BOCES.
Leading forward, together
Ms. Gemmill introduced a video presentation titled “Leading Forward, Together,” produced by Engagement and Development Services Digital Content Specialist Justin Andrews. The video highlights how each and every BOCES employee, often through collaborative efforts, makes a lasting impact by creating possibilities for students and school communities.
Looking ahead: Growing Services and Growing People
Dr. Elizabeth Wood discussed how the work of BOCES’ divisions and departments aligns with the Enterprise Goals of “Growing Service, Growing People.” Another key initiative for 2026-27 is the rollout of an organizational guide which will help to ensure BOCES services align with the guiding commitments while also meeting stakeholder expectations.
A significant area of focus will be the organization-wide integration of artificial intelligence. Dr. Wood emphasized that BOCES is taking a human-first approach that is both responsible and ethical, to keep employees, students and school districts at the forefront while still encouraging innovation.
Additional priorities for the new year include supporting the rollout of NY Inspires across component districts, strengthening staff training and evaluating building facilities, as well as conducting emergency preparedness tabletop exercises.
Looking Back: Celebrating Successes
Dr. Wood shared many notable achievements from the previous academic year, such as:
- Implementation of an emergency notification system to communicate with employees.
- Updated conference room signage .
- Career and Technical Education graduated its largest class with 734 students completing CTE programs across our Albany and Schoharie campuses.
- Educational Support Services migrated to Alexandria, a new library automation system. Schools using the service have gained access to our regional library catalog, which now includes more than 1 million items.
- Special Education expanded standards-aligned curriculum development, creating a centralized repository of instructional resources to support consistent, high-quality instruction for students with disabilities and unique learning needs.
- Residency Verification Service (Management Services) earned strong praise from school leaders; expanded into 10 new districts and closed 145 cases.
- Engagement and Development Service won 21 awards from the National School Public Relations Association.
- The Business Office issued 8,418 purchase orders during the 2025-26 school year.
- Facilities addressed 1,060 work orders across the BOCES.
- NERIC Model Schools service offered 224 courses with 2,155 participants.
Welcome from board, association leadership
Staff heard welcome messages from Matthew Tedeschi, the BOCES Board President, Faculty Association President Katie DiPierro, and Program Associates Organization President Ralph DeJesus. Each expressed appreciation for the meaningful work of BOCES and extended best wishes for a successful school year.
Celebrating years of dedication and excellence
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Karen Swain recognized employees reaching significant service milestones, whose long-standing dedication has enriched BOCES for decades. Congratulations to all for these noteworthy achievements!
20-year recipients
Michael Camarota, David Dearborn, Melissa Eberhardt, Michael Geragosian, Jeffrey Knorr, Patricia Marie, Matthew Millard, Nicole Yamin
25-year recipients
Christopher Baxter, Damon Bieniek, Katie DiPierro, Paul Dolan, Judy Frost, Kerstin Gilman, Donna Lamkin, Marlene MacFee, Margaret Murphy, Fred Pechette, Yvonne Pierce, Peter Riley, Christine Scherbyn
30-year recipients
Lori Phillips, Mike Sylofski, Marcus Williams
35-year recipient
Diane Blinn, Diane Griffin, Patty MacDormand
Together, these employees represent an incredible 680 years of service to Capital Region BOCES!
Commitment award winners
Associate Superintendent for Operations Lauren Morley celebrated employees who were recognized through the Commitment Awards. These employees embody our commitments of service, value, excellence, improvement and leadership. In the 2025-26 school year, the following colleagues were awarded Commitment Awards:
The BOCES Extra Mile Award honors exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact within the education field. This year’s recipient, Erica Miller, exemplifies the spirit of this award through her unwavering commitment to going the extra mile for BOCES’ clients and her colleagues.
As a photographer, Erica travels across the state to capture images for school districts for use on websites, in publications and in social media. Her images tell compelling stories that highlight the impactful work happening daily in New York state schools. Beyond her technical skill and creative talent, Erica demonstrates excellence by approaching every assignment with enthusiasm, professionalism, a commitment to quality and a genuine desire to meet the needs of those she supports. Erica exceeds expectations by delivering outstanding service in all that she does.