BOCES representatives and a senior describe CTE partnerships and hands-on AutoTech experience

Representatives from BOCES visited the board to brief the Manchester-Shortsville Central School District on regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) services and how the district's students use them.

Lynn Rutnick (introduced by board members as a BOCES leader) summarized BOCES operations, services to multiple area districts and shared-service offerings. Rutnick cited an aid ratio of about 0.789 and said the estimated total aid payment for the 2025–26 year would be a little over $1,000,000, with estimated rental aid near $36,000 and estimated capital aid near $25,000. Rutnick emphasized central services (business office, print center), special-education centers, career-and-technical centers, and distance-learning options that smaller districts rely on to expand opportunities while saving costs.

Shannon Brown, director of career and technical education at Finger Lakes BOCES, introduced senior Ian Bachman from the AutoTech program. Bachman told the board: "In AutoTech, I've had the opportunity to learn and understand how cars work ... We've gone to the shop for about half a day and have the opportunity to work on cars, some of which are customer cars." He described fixing a 40-year-old truck and said the program helped him prepare for a career in local municipal maintenance: "In 10 years, I see myself becoming a mechanic for the town of Manchester Highway Department. Right now, I am a laborer for the highway department..."

Board members asked about teacher recruitment for CTE programs; BOCES representatives said they run targeted outreach to bring industry professionals into second-career teaching roles and are developing pathway opportunities for prospective teachers.

What happens next: BOCES and district administrators will continue collaboration on program supports and communicate follow-up information to the board and community; a photo and communications materials were arranged.