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Students and parents press district to expand BOCES seats; board weighs budget and process changes
Summary
Dozens of students and parents urged the South Orangetown Central School District to expand access to BOCES career and technical programs after a local lottery left many waitlisted. Board members cited budget and BOCES capacity limits and promised follow-up within 48 hours.
Dozens of students, parents and teachers urged the South Orangetown Central School District board on Monday to change how it allocates limited seats in regional BOCES career and technical education programs, calling the district's new lottery process unfair and harmful to students who thrive in hands-on learning.
The most dramatic testimony came from Tappan Zee High School junior Kaylin Davis, who said she has pursued carpentry since middle school and asked the board to "invest in me" after she lost the district lottery for a BOCES spot. "I'm happiest when I'm working with my hands," she told the board.
The issue matters because interest from Tappan Zee students this year outstripped the number of spots the district budgeted. Parents at the meeting said roughly 70 to 80 students applied for entry and that only about 56—60 seats were available for district nomination; district officials said…
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