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HFM embraces change: the
'new normal'
‘I’m asking you to be a change agent, to be a part of the
solution that reinvents who we are and creates greater
opportunities for our students.’ - District Superintendent
Dr. Patrick Michel
 SEPT, 2012 -
When HFM BOCES Board of Education President Robert Townsend
welcomed nearly 400 employees for the start of the 2012-13
school year, he made the point that change would be the
organization’s watchword “every day, in everything we do.”
“Last year (2011-12) was one of the most turbulent times we’ve
ever encountered - recovering from the local effects of
Hurricane Irene, grappling with new Common Core Learning
Standards, APPR (Annual Professional Performance Reviews), the
Regents’ reforms, a new tax “cap” and fiscal uncertainty.
"But this organization demonstrated its resolve by embracing
change, reimagining our mission, forging new alliances and
working toward a stronger, more dynamic provider of education
opportunities for our region’s students,” Mr. Townsend told the
audience.
Navigating the changes that challenge public education had a
major influence on the Board of Education’s goal setting for
2012-13, resulting in a strong emphasis on regionalization and
collaboration, and on recasting the mission and perceived image
of HFM BOCES.
“At no time before has our role as educational leaders been more
important to our mission and purpose, Mr. Townsend said. “We
must continue to evolve, to reinvent our approach and purpose
not just to survive, but to drive innovation and strengthen our
role in this region’s rebirth.”
 HFM
BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel called change
“our only constant.” In his comments, he explained that the
ability to embrace change and innovate in the face of change was
the “core of our profession.”
“There are several ways to handle this ‘new normal,’” Dr. Michel
said. “Some people will simply retire; some will complain and be
upset. Others will passively tolerate what they hope is a
passing fad, hoping it will all go away. But I’m asking you to
become a change agent, to be involved, a part of the solution
that reinvents who we are and creates greater opportunities for
our students.”
HFM BOCES Board of Education approved its two-prong slate of
goals for 2012-13 at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
The approach charts a forward course with emphasis on the
identity of HFM BOCES and regionalization efforts.
Related to the evolving identity of HFM BOCES, the board defined
three particular emphases:
• Recast the mission and
vision of HFM BOCES to relate to the current educational,
economic and political climate.
• Reinforce strong
partnerships with our component school districts and
Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
• Expand and market career and
technical education and specialized programs for the benefit of
our region.
“We need the community to understand how BOCES programs are
evolving to meet the higher expectations placed on schools and
students,” Dr. Michel said. “Students in this region must be
equipped and prepared for their next steps in life, whether it
is additional vocational training, college, the military or a
place in the workforce.”
An emphasis on regionalization in the 2012-13 board goals
expands on BOCES’s core commitment to collaboration and shared
services for the benefit of all component school districts.
• Continue to expand regional
efforts by partnering with other BOCES, state, and private
entities across the state.
• Explore and foster
partnerships with local municipalities for shared services and
efficiency.
• Strengthen outreach of
regional communications to promote BOCES initiatives.
“It’s never been more advantageous to pool our resources for the
benefit of our students and educational communities. Shared
capacity allows us to enhance learning opportunities and provide
more academic options to best match the interests of our
students,” Dr. Michel said.
 A
major focus for schools in the coming decade will be on career
readiness for all students. According to Mr. Townsend, HFM BOCES
has been a leader for many years in equipping students, not just
with academic and vocational skills, but also with
responsibility and initiative to succeed at college or the
workplace.
“Because of the passion, dedication and innovation you bring to
your job, HFM BOCES becomes a pathway to success for each of our
students,” Mr. Townsend told the audience in closing. “Their
success affirms our mission, helps position this region for
educational excellence, and becomes the cornerstone for its
economic growth and prosperity.” |
