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Interim
superintendent appointed to HFM BOCES
Board of Education names Herkimer BOCES’ Mark Vivacqua to post
 On Thursday, April 8, the HFM BOCES Board of Education appointed
Mark Vivacqua, district superintendent for
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Ostego BOCES, as the interim
superintendent for HFM BOCES. The board also appointed HFM
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Hohenforst as the chief
operating officer for HFM BOCES until a permanent district
superintendent is named. Mr. Vivacqua’s appointment was made
under the direction of State Education Commissioner David
Steiner.
The appointment followed the death on April 1 of Dr. Geoffrey
Davis, who had served as HFM BOCES superintendent for the past
14 years.
Dr. Hohenforst will continue to oversee the day-to-day
operations at HFM BOCES, as she has been during Dr. Davis’
illness. Mr. Vivacqua’s primary responsibility will be to serve
as HFM’s representative to Commissioner Steiner and the State
Education Department, while also providing assistance with HFM’s
daily operations as necessary.
The New York State Education Department follows a standard
procedure whenever there is a vacancy for a BOCES district
superintendent.
An initial survey of component school districts and contiguous
BOCES ascertains whether HFM BOCES is meeting its educational
charge. In the last 14 years HFM BOCES has met and exceeded the
state’s expectations for providing services.
Commissioner Steiner could call for a reorganizational study if
he feels it would benefit the educational interests in Hamilton,
Fulton and Montgomery Counties. If it is determined that HFM
BOCES should continue with its present structure, the search for
a new district superintendent would then begin.
SED follows specific guidelines when conducting a search for a
district superintendent, with the final decision to be made
jointly by the HFM BOCES Board of Education and Commissioner
Steiner. The process typically takes several months.
HFM Board of Education President Robert Townsend shared his
confidence in a smooth transition with BOCES staff.
“I know I can count on all of you to carry on your good work and
your commitment to our shared mission of ensuring educational
excellence and leadership in our region,” Mr. Townsend said.
“Dr. Davis dedicated his life to this mission, and I know he
would expect nothing less from us.”
A celebration is being planned for Wednesday, April 28, to
commemorate Dr. Davis’ life and contribution to HFM BOCES’
educational community. The details are being confirmed. A
committee of volunteers is helping to organize this celebration.
Any suggestions can be shared with Career & Technical Education
Director Jay DeTraglia or Special Education Director Mike Jacob.
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