Dr. DeLucia Shares Vision For Agency’s Future

Dutchess BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Jodi DeLucia shared her vision for how the agency can grow to more completely serve students Wednesday night at a meet and greet reception.

“Dutchess BOCES has embarked on this remarkable journey of innovation, partnership and growth. We’re adapting to meet the evolving needs of our students,” said DeLucia, who was appointed in March. “As we move forward, I invite you all to move forward with us on this journey.”

The event, held at the agency’s conference center, was an opportunity for school and community stakeholders to hear DeLucia’s thoughts on the role Dutchess BOCES serves for students and the community, and its plans for meeting their evolving needs moving forward.

Attendees included members of the agency’s board of trustees, elected officials, superintendents from Dutchess County school districts, business partners and other stakeholders.

Dozens of Dutchess BOCES team members welcomed guests before the event at tables to share about the programs and services each department or school offers. Students from the Career and Technical Institute’s culinary program served a varied spread of food prepared by the agency’s food services team while security and law students helped direct traffic.

DeLucia explained an aspect of Dutchess BOCES’ mission near to her own heart: “To provide opportunity for those who are often the furthest from it. I love the opportunity to work here at BOCES, to work with our programs and services, and believe deeply in collaborative partnerships that improve outcomes for that population of students.
“Working here is my passion,” she shared. “I’m really excited you are all here tonight to see our vision for moving forward.”

During this transformative time in education, DeLucia said it means “reimagining how students learn and adapting to new technologies and teaching methods; meeting and exceeding industry standards in its Career and Technical Institute; and providing alternative pathways and trauma-informed environments to support all students. The ultimate goal is to ensure students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
This cannot be done alone, however, especially as interest as soared in Dutchess BOCES’ programs in the last five years and the agency has had to turn away students.

“We will actively engage community, industry and educational thought partners seeking input and collaboration,” DeLucia said. “I really hope that what you’re hearing is that we’re creating opportunities to bring more people to the table, but partnership works both ways. So, we’re also increasing the pathways to representation across the county.”