BOCES outlines program expansions; administrative budget to rise about 10.9%
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Summary
Orleans–Niagara BOCES leaders told the Niagara Falls board they are expanding career and alternative education programs, increasing services for adult learners and relocating programs as leases end — changes that lowered an estimated 19% admin-budget increase to about 10.86% after adjustments.
Dr. Farrar, district superintendent for Orleans–Niagara BOCES, told the Niagara Falls City School District board that BOCES is broadening career and alternative-education programs and moving some sites as leases end, a shift that will raise the BOCES administrative budget shared by component districts.
Why it matters: The BOCES administrative budget is apportioned to each component district based on resident weighted average daily attendance (RWADA). Board members were presented with program-growth details that BOCES leaders said will expand student opportunities but require increased administrative support and facilities changes.
Dr. Farrar said BOCES serves 13 component districts and just under 30,000 students, with two career/technical centers including the Niagara Career & Technical Center in Sanborn. "We've spent a lot of time this past year and into this coming school year building our capacity to serve our component districts and our students," Dr. Farrar said, describing additions from skilled trades to health-occupation coursework.
BOCES outlined specific program changes: growth in skilled trades (HVAC, welding, electricity), expanded health occupations (including phlebotomy and nursing pathways), new leadership retreats, early-college access arrangements and enhanced literacy/adult-GED offerings. Dr. Farrar said the tenth-grade exploratory pilot at the Medina campus will expand to NC Tech, allowing sophomores to try half- or full-year exploratory blocks that award local credit but not state-level CTE certification.
Financial effect: Dr. Connolly reported the BOCES administrative budget initially looked to require a 19% increase. After reallocating some positions (for example, moving an additional attorney into labor relations), the estimate was reduced to a 10.86% increase. "That admin budget is portioned out to the component districts based on your RWADA," Connolly said, inviting questions before the April budget vote cycle.
Facilities and logistics: BOCES officials told the board the lease for the North Tonawanda Learning Center is ending; programs currently there (about 70 students and 74 staff) will be re-sited across Newport, Ransomville (Wilson School District) and Tonawanda Creek locations for the 2026–27 school year. Officials said relocations will add classroom space, sensory rooms, gym access and parking, and that they are pursuing grant funds to add a playground at Tonawanda Creek Learning Center.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members asked about scaling tenth-grade participation and integrating new graduation requirements being considered by the Board of Regents under the 'New York Inspires' initiative. Dr. Farrar said he meets monthly with the commissioner’s office and that details about new graduation requirements — including personal finance and climate education pieces — will flow to districts after Regents action.
The board will consider the BOCES administrative budget during the upcoming budget presentations; component districts vote on the administrative portion in the spring.
Provenance: Presentation and Q&A by Orleans–Niagara BOCES leaders as recorded by the board meeting transcript.
