Orleans‑Niagara BOCES outlines expanded programs, new learning‑center plans to Wilson Central board

Dr. Talifan Ferrer, district superintendent for Orleans‑Niagara BOCES, told the Wilson Central School District Board of Education on March 10 that the regional cooperative is expanding programs available to component districts, including new learning‑center configurations and additional student supports.

Ferrer described the BOCES network and said the cooperative has reorganized divisions so districts can more easily access educational services and special‑education programs. "We also have offered our early college access program for this is for your high school students that may be pursuing some college credits…So it's a cost savings and gives some opportunities for some students," Ferrer said, outlining how participating districts can reduce costs for students seeking college credits.

Ferrer introduced leaders for the special programs team and the BOCES learning‑center network, noting Doctor Lamont Parsons will oversee special programs and that the cooperative has added associate directors to split responsibilities across classroom programs and ancillary services. The presenters listed a set of existing and partner sites that serve special‑education students, including Ransomville Learning Center/Stevenson Elementary, Ports Learning Center, the North Tonawanda Learning Center (whose lease is ending), Godfrey/Ortiz Learning Center and other regional sites serving grades K–12.

Lamont Parsons highlighted planned facility improvements and program additions that BOCES said will begin July 1. "Larger classrooms of 700 to 800 square feet…sensory rooms and of course increased access to the gym" are among the items Parsons cited as benefits, along with a planned middle‑school suspension classroom and alternative‑education classes for grades 5–8 intended to serve component districts.

Presenters said board members received a handout with more details on expanded services and CTE‑program student assignments and invited Wilson Central administrators to participate in BOCES retreats and a board‑member day scheduled for July. Ferrer encouraged the district to take part in an early college access pilot and described a substitute reimbursement program tied to the cooperative's professional development (CSIPD) that would reimburse districts that provide substitutes while teachers attend training.

The presentation concluded after a short question period and thanks from the board. No formal board action was recorded on BOCES program adoption at the March 10 meeting; presenters asked interested district officials to follow up with BOCES staff for implementation details.