Senate Resolution No. 486

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the
Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative
Educational Services

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations which are committed to enhancing the
quality of education in the State of New York, and which enable our
schools to offer excellent educational programs in the most efficient
manner; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM)
Board of Cooperative Educational Services; and

WHEREAS, A now vital educational organization to the Mohawk Valley,
OHM BOCES was one of the first four Chapters established by the New York
State Legislature in 1948, under section 1950 of the New York State
Education Law; and

WHEREAS, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are an
integral component of New York State's public education system,
providing special education services to more than 16,000 students
annually, as well as career and technical education opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the OHM BOCES programs and services
have been unparalleled in meeting the unique needs of New York's
students, school districts, business, and industry; and

WHEREAS, Leaders in innovation, BOCES funds efforts toward equity
and inclusion, supporting professional learning for educators, and
developing new programs and services to meet the changing needs of the
state's students and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization provides professional
development to countless educators each year, serving as a link between
local schools and the State Education Department; and

WHEREAS, A partner to both industry and higher education, New York
BOCES chapters collaborate with more than 2,000 colleges and
universities, giving students the opportunity to further their education
at the post-secondary level; and

WHEREAS, In addition, each year, over 20,000 New Yorkers earn their
high school equivalency and study English as a second language with
BOCES services and programs; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, OHM BOCES may
look back with pride upon its humble beginnings, find just satisfaction
in its purposeful growth, and hold true of purpose in its commitment to
serving the educational needs of the citizens of the State of New York;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of
Cooperative Educational Services, noting the propriety of its goals, the
constancy of its commitment and the significance of its accomplishments
in preparing the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational
Services (BOCES).