OCM BOCES officials, students describe hands-on CTE and New Vision programs to North Syracuse board

OCM BOCES Deputy Superintendent Kalline Vigiano told the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education that enrollment in the district’s career and technical education (CTE) and New Vision programs has increased over the past three to four years and that the programs offer college credit and workplace experience.

The update, presented at the board’s regular meeting, included students from BOCES who described how clinicals, internships and embedded programs influenced their career choices and post‑high‑school plans.

Vigiano said the district received a snapshot of OCM BOCES programs and services and that the district’s students appear in the materials. “It’s great to be here. I I love coming here each year to give an update on OCM BOCES and our partnership with the North Syracuse Central School District,” Vigiano said, explaining the district-level data and program overview she provided to board members.

Vigiano outlined program structure: two main CTE campuses (including Thompson Road), 15 CTE programs across three counties, seven embedded CTE programs in businesses and a half‑day CTE model for juniors and seniors. She said BOCES uses Department of Labor statistics, employer input and student surveys to shape offerings and added that CTE students can earn five high‑school credits and three to six college credits through articulation agreements.

Student speakers described their experiences. Derek, a New Vision medical professions student, said clinicals helped him decide on nursing and prepared him academically: “The anatomy and physiology class through OCC has really helped prepare me for college.” Mallory Wessels, a senior in culinary arts, said BOCES helped her build practical skills and connections and that she was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America to study baking and pastry arts and food business management. Catalina Lawrence, in the physical therapy professions program, described clinical rotations and said the program helped her confirm a career path. Jack, in an embedded auto technology program at Driver’s Village, described internships with local dealerships and said he gained paid work experience while still in the program.

BOCES also highlighted extracurricular and recognition programs: SkillsUSA regional competitions, National Technical Honor Society cords at graduation and state competitions scheduled for April 24 at the New York State Fairgrounds; the presentation named Catalina Lawrence as placing second in a Health Knowledge Bowl regional contest and Portlanded Mallory’s opportunity to compete at state despite an injury.

Board President Michael Maurizio and other board members asked students follow‑up questions about pathways and internships; Maurizio acknowledged the value of students leaving their home high school for BOCES programs and encouraged continued board support.

The presentation concluded with BOCES staff offering to arrange board visits to SkillsUSA events and embedded program sites.

The presentation was informational; no district action or vote on BOCES program funding occurred at this meeting.