In this series, the Daily Sentinel, in partnership with the Genesis Group, has published articles written by area elected officials and business and community leaders. In addition to the Sentinel’s Editorial Page, the articles are appearing in the Genesis Group’s weekly newsletters and social media pages.

It’s been 75 years since District Superintendent Elwin Shoemaker proposed the creation of a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), making the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES one of the first four BOCES formed in New York state.

Oneida #1 BOCES, as it was known at the time, was a pioneer in shared services and had a definite influence on the state’s shaping of the BOCES/shared services concept. Today, the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES supports 12 school districts covering 549-square miles to still help meet students’ evolving educational needs.

Our work is just as vital in our 75th year as it was then.

For the last three-quarters of a century, the OHM BOCES has steadfastly embraced its commitment to supporting the schools and students of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties — initially helping rural districts improve educationally, and most recently as a modern provider of education-related programs and services.

Over the past 75 years, we have grown from a small organization with nine shared service employees to a flourishing establishment with more than 730 staff members that emphasizes cost-effectiveness, relevance, equity and inclusion in all that we offer.

Through collaboration with, and support from our partners, we have been able to expand our facilities and offerings to provide all of the region’s students with a state-of-the-art education experience.

As our local communities have transformed, the OHM BOCES has changed to anticipate and meet their needs.

In 1948, this meant offering driver education and “vocational” courses, and in 2023, it has evolved to include early college high school and nanotechnology education.

What a long way we have come!

People sometimes think of educational cooperatives as just the physical buildings, or programs and services that we provide, but those aren’t the only things we have to offer. BOCES is really the people that come together to make a difference for the 23,000 students of our region — to talk about needs, to celebrate and share strengths, and ultimately, to shape the future of education in Central New York.

None of this could have been accomplished without the support and inspiration of our incredible partners — the component school districts, school board members, community members, institutions of higher education, agencies and business partners who have allowed the OHM BOCES to continue responding to the emerging needs of our school districts and learners.

You have allowed us to continually foster collaboration, creativity and success among our schools, students and staff.

As we embark our 75th year, we want to say “thank you!” This milestone celebration would not be possible without you and your countless contributions of funds, materials, time and expertise over the years. The real world experiences and direct connections that you help us to create have allowed us to fulfill our mission to the fullest in each of these last 27,375 days!

The breadth and impact of the OHM BOCES over the span of time has been impressive. These past 75 years have impacted a lot of lives, and with your ongoing support, we look forward to continuing to prepare our region’s learners for success for many years to come!

For more information about the OHM BOCES, visit https://www.oneida-boces.org, and for more information about all 37 BOCES in New York State, visit https://www.boces.org.

Patricia N. Kilburn, Ed.D., is the superintendent of schools for the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).

Note: The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES serves students in the following 12 school districts: Brookfield, Clinton, Holland Patent, New York Mills, New Hartford, Oriskany, Remsen, Sauquoit Valley, Utica, Waterville, Westmoreland and Whitesboro.