Regional Leaders and Student Success Take Center Stage at 40th Annual Meeting

The Ormsby Educational Center was a hub of regional pride and educational demonstration on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES (E2CCB) held its 40th Annual Meeting. This gathering, which serves as a vital touchpoint for the 27 component districts across the region, allowed board members and administrators to celebrate collective achievements and engage with the leadership helping to shape the future of local education. The evening provided a comprehensive look at how the organization acts as an “opportunity maker” for thousands of students.

The meeting prominently featured the hands-on innovation occurring within the Career & Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, showcasing new technologies in the classroom include simulators found in the Criminal Justice and Conservation classrooms, or the plasma cutter in the Welding classroom which produced metal buffalo ornaments for atendees.

A major highlight of the evening was the introduction of five candidates seeking election to the E2CCB Board of Education. There are currently five seats open for election, each carrying a three-year term that will expire on June 30, 2028. Component boards will cast their final ballots during meetings held within their own districts on April 28, 2026. The candidates utilized their time to share personal stories of how BOCES has impacted their lives and their communities.

Thomas DeJoe of Brocton, a thirty-year veteran of the board, shared a poignant account of his family’s history with the organization. He described how his sister Cindy, who was born with Down syndrome, excelled at BOCES and how his sons and sisters utilized various programs to launch successful careers. “BOCES [is the] passport for my family and this meant a lot to me and I wanted to make sure it continued for not only BOCES but for all of you people and your schools and your students,” DeJoe remarked, adding that he wanted to ensure the hard work of preparing students for the real world continues.

Christine Schnars of Jamestown, current president of the New York State School Boards Association, brought a perspective of long-term regional stability. Joking that she has “been in this forever” and she emphasized that regional cooperation is no longer optional. “I’m seeing both at the state level, at my local level, and at the BOCES level how if we’re going to survive this we have to grow and strengthen our BOCES,” Schnars stated, warning that “there’s no other way all our districts are going to get through the next 10 to 20 years.”

Jeff Chase of Pine Valley, who currently serves as the Pine Valley board president, reflected on the student engagement he witnessed while touring the facility earlier in the evening. “I talked to so many students who were so dedicated and loved what they were doing and spoke so highly of the program,” Chase said. He noted that “districts across the state are seeking creative, sustainable ways to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners” and pledged to remain “committed to supporting the collaborative work that strengthens the opportunities for our students across our region.”

David Lowrey of Iroquois emphasized the organization’s role in allowing districts to operate more efficiently through shared resources. Seeking another term, Lowrey said, “I will remain focused on strengthening the partnerships among our districts, supporting innovative programs, and ensuring that BOCES continues to deliver value and excellence.” He stressed the importance of adaptation, noting that “as education continues to evolve, it’s critical that we adapt while staying grounded in what works.”

Kimberly Higgins of Springville-Griffith, the newest member of the board and a career music educator, spoke to the necessity of alternative learning paths. “I believe every student can learn. Sometimes we have to think outside of the box. And that’s what I love about this board and what I love about BOCES,” Higgins shared. She expressed admiration for what she saw in the halls of the Ormsby center, stating, “not all kids learn the same, and this board and this BOCES are doing incredible work and incredible things.”

As the meeting concluded, the overarching theme remained one of partnership. By focusing on safety, accessibility, and the “Portrait of a Graduate,” E2CCB continues to build a culture of unity designed to provide a world-class education for every student in the region.