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HFM
BOCES welcomes Dr. Patrick Michel
Day One for new DS ends with official
welcome and social event
 The
challenging days and hard work lay ahead, but during the first day
on the job, it is good to get to know some of your co-workers
and colleagues. HFM BOCES staff, Board of Education members and
component school superintendents joined with community leaders
to welcome incoming District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel
at a reception in his honor on Monday, Feb. 7. An audience of
about 100 people enjoyed refreshments and a chance to meet and
chat with the new district superintendent.
In comments welcoming Dr. Michel, Board of Education president
Robert Townsend characterized the day as the “beginning of a new
era” for HFM BOCES, saying that Dr. Michel was the “right man to
lead the organization through changing times.”
 Noting that education in New York and the country was facing
tough challenges; Mr. Townsend told the audience Dr. Michel is
an "advocate for reform, a great communicator who understands the
issues facing rural school districts.”
“I’m
excited to have Patrick as our new district superintendent and
about our new leadership team of Dr. Michel and Dr. Hohenforst,”
Mr. Townsend said.
 Mr. Townsend took a moment to express the board’s gratitude
for the “outstanding work” of Interim Superintendent Mark
Vivacqua and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Hohenforst
during the 10-month transition period following the death of
District Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey H. Davis in April 2010
following a battle with cancer.
Reading a letter sent to the Commissioner of Education David
Steiner, Mr. Townsend acknowledged the “dedication and passion
by these two leaders” that kept HFM BOCES moving forward.
 Canajoharie
Superintendent Richard Rose, speaking on behalf of component
school superintendents, said that while school leaders
collaborate with many different people in doing their jobs, the
best partnerships for him have been the superintendents in the
other HFM BOCES component schools.
“You are joining a wonderful family of educators,” Mr. Rose
welcomed Dr. Michel. “While everything seems new today, in a
short time you will feel like you’ve been here for 20 years.”
 In his turn to speak, Dr. Michel thanked the audience for its
hospitality, and shared how he and his family were impressed by
the welcome they had received while relocating to the area.
“It can be difficult to move from a place you love to a place
you think you are going to love,” Dr. Michel said. “I can’t say
enough about the warm welcome and kindness of this community.”
Speaking of the future for HFM BOCES, Dr. Michel acknowledged
that schools are “facing huge changes in how we do business,”
and looked forward to working to help reshape education in New
York State.
 “This will be a great new era for HFM BOCES,” Dr. Michel said,
echoing Mr. Townsend’s earlier comment. “We will work together
to create the exceptional education system our children
deserve.”
Prior to his appointment to HFM BOCES, Dr. Michel served as the
superintendent of Monticello Central School District. His prior
educational experiences included serving as associate
superintendent at Clarkstown Central School District, and as
principal in Hyde Park and Pine Bush.
 Throughout his career, Dr. Michel has embraced community
involvement, serving on the boards of the YMCA, Boys and Girls
Clubs, and Boy Scout Council within Sullivan and Orange
Counties. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Manhattan
College, Masters degrees from Brooklyn College and Columbia
University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia
University.
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