After more than three decades devoted to expanding opportunities and strengthening education across the region, HFM BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Jay DeTraglia will retire at the end of the academic year, closing a career defined by student success and collaboration.
“For me, education has always been about creating opportunities for students and supporting the people who work with them every day,” said DeTraglia. “I’ve been really fortunate to work with great colleagues and partners, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to build together.” 
DeTraglia began his career as a high school English teacher in the Wells Central School District before returning to his alma mater, Fonda-Fultonville Central School District, where he served as both the elementary school principal and high school principal.
He joined HFM BOCES in 2005 and served as Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) through 2020. During that time, he helped expand instructional programming and build partnerships with component districts, local businesses, and higher education institutions, including SUNY FMCC and SUNY Cobleskill, to better serve students across the region.
Collaboration was a constant throughout DeTraglia’s career. By working closely with school districts, higher education partners, and regional businesses, he helped create real-world learning opportunities for students in CTE, PTECH, Adirondack Academy, and special education programs.
“Without those partnerships, we wouldn’t have the opportunities for our students,” he said. “That’s the crux of it, building relationships to support opportunities for students.”
Rather than pointing to a single accomplishment, DeTraglia said the moments that matter most to him center on student success. CTE and PTECH graduations, Adirondack Academy ceremonies, and milestones in special education stand out, especially when students who did not see a clear path forward find success through the programs he helped lead.
“Seeing students who admittedly on their own indicate they didn’t see a pathway to graduation and watching them succeed,” he said. “That’s what it’s really about.”
In 2018, DeTraglia’s leadership was recognized statewide when he was named Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year by the New York State Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA). The award reflected his work strengthening Career and Technical Education programs and expanding access for students. Under his direction, HFM’s CTE programs gained recognition at both the state and national levels for quality, innovation, and student outcomes.
In 2025, DeTraglia was honored once again by ACTEA, this time with the Sidney Platt Medal of Honor, the highest award given by ACTEA. The prestigious honor is reserved for individuals whose leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have profoundly shaped the landscape of CTE in New York State and beyond.
During his tenure, DeTraglia helped establish more than 40 articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions. He also supported the growth of the Instructional Services Department, including expanded instructional coaching for teachers and administrators.
Looking back, DeTraglia said staying in the field for more than 32 years was never about a title or how long he stayed. It was always about serving students.
“I just love the ability to provide opportunities for students that were provided for me,” he said. “Especially with BOCES and what we do here and the dedication of our staff.”
HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. David Ziskin said that DeTraglia set a standard that will be hard to replace.
“Jay has been a constant, impactful presence in our region’s schools for more than three decades. I admire him as a person and as a leader. Above all else, Jay will be remembered by students and adults for how he led—he listened. He challenged. He mentored. And he supported.”
A graduate of Fonda-Fultonville Central School and Siena College, DeTraglia credits his parents as his earliest influence. While neither worked in education, his mother ran an in-home daycare, and both of his parents emphasized the value of education from an early age.
“My parents always instilled education and the importance of education,” he said. “That’s what really inspired me to go into the field.”
He also credits several mentors who helped shape his journey, including John West, who influenced his decision to pursue education administration, as well as Rick Pepe, Glenn Goodale, and former HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Davis.
Looking ahead, DeTraglia is optimistic about the future of HFM BOCES and its role as a partner, advocate, and leader in the region.
“I believe with where ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ is and what our organization does, it’s perfectly aligned,” he said. “We have an opportunity to continue to take a leadership role for students and programming in the region.”
When asked what he will miss the most, he didn’t hesitate to answer.
“The administrative team, the staff, and the students,” DeTraglia said. “The culture is truly about students. That’s why I stayed here for 21 years.”
As he prepares for retirement, DeTraglia leaves behind a career built on opportunity, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of education. His impact will continue to be felt throughout HFM BOCES and in the lives of the students he served.
