What is a BOCES?
BOCES, or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, are public education collaboratives in New York State which function as extensions of local school districts. A BOCES is able to provide services that school districts may be too small to offer on their own or that would be more economical to offer collaboratively and share costs with other districts.

There are 37 BOCES in New York State, to view the statewide Web site please click here.

The function of a BOCES is to provide shared services to the component school districts in a manner that is effective, efficient, and fosters equity for students. The BOCES State Task Force and the Commissioner of Education have also charged the BOCES with providing leadership and support in developing the capacity of local schools to enable students to meet both the performance requirements of the New York State Learning Standards and the new graduation requirements.

How Does a BOCES Work?
A BOCES helps school districts save money by pooling their resources and sharing costs. BOCES services are created when two or more school districts have similar needs than can be met by sharing staff members, office space, equipment and time. This eliminates duplication and allows schools to operate more efficiently and cost effectively. That translates to real savings for taxpayers.

BOCES also expands opportunities for students. Alone, school districts may not be able to afford the educational programs they desire without increasing the tax burden on the residents. Together, through BOCES, districts can provide a rich variety of experiences for students of all interest and ability levels. BOCES opens doors to innovative and exciting programs at a price that districts can afford.

How are BOCES Services Paid for?
Except for an administrative charge that is based on each school district’s enrollment, districts pay only for the specific BOCES services they use. These expenses are incorporated into each district’s annual budget. BOCES State Aid is applied to those expenses to help offset the costs. Some BOCES services are directly funded by the State or Federal government.

Who is Responsible for Running a BOCES?
A BOCES Board of Education consists of members who have served as school board members in their local school districts. The Board of Education members are elected to serve three-year terms. The chief executive officer of a BOCES also serves as District Superintendent of Schools and works closely with local school districts as both a liaison to and agent of the New York State Commissioner of Education.