HERKIMER — Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES welcomed all staff for a new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and honored staff who have reached milestones in their service at BOCES.

Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent Sandra Sherwood and Herkimer BOCES Board of Education President Michael Clements gave opening comments.

“I’m glad to see you back,” Clements said. “We couldn’t ask for a better group of people.”

Sherwood and Clements spoke from the lobby at the Herkimer BOCES William E. Busacker Complex in Herkimer. Employees watched via video from four other rooms at the WEB Complex and from the Herkimer BOCES Remington Educational Complex in Ilion.

Clements encouraged new employees not to be nervous because they’re joining a strong team.

“I hope we have a great year and try to get back to some normalcy,” he said.

Association leaders Holly Rotundo Fischer, Bethann Hammer and Timothy Johnston joined Sherwood and Clements to present certificates to staff who reached a standout number of years at BOCES.

Those recognized were:

• 10 years: Andrea Hitchcock, Sheri Perry, and Stacie Shedd.
• 20 years: Scott Dunckel, Debra Hagadorn, Christina Ostrander, Adam Spatto, and Sherry Stone.
• 25 years: Frances Bishal.

Sherwood closed the ceremony with a presentation about what a BOCES is. She spoke about the large role that the 10 component school districts have in determining BOCES operations. She also talked about the services and benefits that BOCES across the state provide to their communities, schools and students – and what those impacts look like locally through Herkimer BOCES.

At the end of her presentation, Sherwood returned to the question of what a BOCES is. She said it certainly includes the 10 component districts and the BOCES facilities.

“But it’s really all of us,” Sherwood said to the Herkimer BOCES employees. “I’m so glad you’re back here with us. Welcome back.”