Category: CABOCES News

Ames, Iowa – CA BOCES is proud to recognize students from three of their component school districts for their outstanding performances at the 2026 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held May 27–30, 2026, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Through its Student Programs, CA BOCES provides meaningful extracurricular and enrichment opportunities to students across its 22 component school districts. One of those opportunities is Odyssey of the Mind, an internationally recognized program that challenges students to apply creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills through competitive problem-solving.

This year, teams representing the region achieved remarkable success while competing against top teams from around the world:

· Wellsville Central School earned a 25th place finish out of 56 teams

· Salamanca Central School achieved an outstanding 4th place finish out of 44 teams

· Allegany-Limestone Central School secured a 6th place finish out of 34 teams

CA BOCES Coordinator for Arts and Extra-Curricular Events, Erikka Henretta, praised the school districts, while also speaking on what it means for CA BOCES to be able to support them. “We at CA BOCES Student Programs could not be more proud of the Wellsville, Allegany-Limestone, and Salamanca teams for their tremendous success at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. The dedication demonstrated by both the students and their coaches throughout this journey reflects the very best of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance.

“Their achievements are a testament to the power of innovative learning opportunities and the commitment of our schools to fostering these essential skills. We are honored to support these outstanding teams through our Student Competitions CoSer 506 and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities that inspire students to think beyond the ordinary and achieve extraordinary results.”

CA BOCES congratulates all participating students and districts for representing the region with excellence on the world stage.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Atlanta, GA – Two local CA BOCES Audio Visual Production students, Jadyn Ours and Nick Austin (Olean City School District), earned first place in the TV Production category at the SkillsUSA National Competition, competing against 40 teams from across the country.

The SkillsUSA events are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Key areas of competition include communication, construction, heavy equipment operation, Audio Visual Production, welding, animal sciences, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, human services, information technology, leadership, manufacturing, and STEM.

Prior to the national competition, the team first secured victory at the regional level at Alfred State College, followed by a state championship win in Syracuse, New York.

CA BOCES District Superintendent, Scott Payne, said he is proud of the efforts of the students and staff involved in preparation for Skills USA. “This accomplishment achieved by Jadyn and Nick is extraordinary. Their win highlights what is possible for each student who shows up to each of our centers every day with dedication and purpose. CA BOCES is proud of both, and we will continue to cheer them on through their future endeavors.”

CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education, Chris Gagliardo, said that Skills USA provides an opportunity for students apply the skills learned in their CTE program in a competitive environment. “Their performance at the national level highlighted the strength of Career and Technical Education programs and the dedication of students who pursue hands-on, industry-focused learning. Both students proudly represented CA BOCES and their home school, Olean High School, showcasing professionalism and technical excellence in a real-world production environment.”

Following the competition, Ours and Austin, along with CA BOCES Audio Visual Production instructor, Cory Nedell, were greeted with a community gathering at the CTE Center at Olean.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Olean, NY – The safety of our students and school staff is very important to us. One of the ways we stay safe is by holding school safety drills. To help us practice and learn, we will be having a fire drill during the week of June 1, 2026.

Before we practice a drill, we instruct students and staff on what they need to do. We talk about how the drill will be announced and we always inform students and staff that it is a drill.

After the drill, students and families are encouraged to ask questions. If you have any questions about the drills or other safety concerns, please contact Noel Sheehy at 716-376-8251opens phone dialer.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.

CA BOCES will proudly host graduation ceremonies for students from its three Career and Technical Education centers on Thursday, June 18, 2026. These ceremonies celebrate the accomplishments, dedication, and hard work of students as they complete their CTE programs and prepare for future careers, higher education, and workforce opportunities.

Graduation ceremony information is listed below:

• CTE Center at Belmont
  • Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
  • Location: Genesee Valley Central School
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.
• CTE Center at Ellicottville
  • Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
  • Location: Pioneer High School
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
• CTE Center at Olean
  • Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
  • Location: Olean High School
  • Time: 7:00 p.m.

Please note that admission to all ceremonies is by ticket only. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and have tickets available for entry. Additional event details will be shared directly with graduates and their families through each respective CTE center.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Olean, NY – The safety of our students and school staff is very important to us. One of the ways we stay safe is by holding school safety drills. To help us practice and learn, we will be having a fire drill during the week of May 26, 2026.

Before we practice a drill, we instruct students and staff on what they need to do. We talk about how the drill will be announced and we always inform students and staff that it is a drill.

After the drill, students and families are encouraged to ask questions. If you have any questions about the drills or other safety concerns, please contact Noel Sheehy at 716-376-8251opens phone dialer.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.

To All Parents and Guardians:

The safety of our students and school staff is very important to us. One of the ways we stay safe is by holding school safety drills. To help us practice and learn, we will conduct multiple safety drills between 5/26/26 and 6/1/26.

Before we practice a drill, we instruct students and staff on what they need to do. We talk about how the drill will be announced, and we always inform students and staff that it is a drill.

After the drill, students and families are encouraged to ask questions. If you have any questions about the drills or other safety concerns, please contact me at 716-376-8326opens phone dialer.

Thank you,
Matt Hopkins
Principal
Belmont CTE Center

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.

Ellicottville, NY – On June 11, 2026, the CA BOCES CTE Center at Ellicottville will host its annual CTE Signing Day celebration, recognizing students as they commit to their next step after graduation, including college, trade schools, apprenticeships, the workforce, or military service. Guest arrival will begin at 11:30 AM, with the ceremony taking place from 12 PM to 2 PM.

More than 90 students will participate in the ceremony, with over 200 guests expected to attend in support of the Class of 2026. Guest speaker Jason Miller, who is the Executive Director of the Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development Board, will help celebrate and encourage students as they begin this exciting new chapter.

“Our students have worked hard to build real-world skills, earn industry experience, and prepare for life after graduation,” said Tracy Guntrum, Certified Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the CA BOCES CTE Center at Ellicottville. “CTE Signing Day is our opportunity to celebrate their success and recognize the partnerships that help connect students from school to career.”

The event will include student recognition, photo opportunities, and support from families, employers, colleges, trade schools, military recruiters, and community partners.

Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outdoors with tents donated by Hickory Hill Tent Rental LLC.

For more information about CTE Signing Day or Work-Based Learning opportunities at the CA BOCES CTE Center at Ellicottville, please contact Tracy Guntrum at Tracy_guntrum@caboces.orgcreate new email or 716-376-8346opens phone dialer.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Olean, NY – May 19, 2026 – This June, CA BOCES CTE Centers at Belmont, Ellicottville, and Olean will celebrate students’ next steps with special Signing Day events. During each event, students will officially sign letters of intent as they commit to college, careers in the workforce, or military service.

Students’ families and representatives from colleges, employers, and military will be present.

Signing Day Locations:

CTE Center at Olean – June 8 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

CTE Center at Belmont – June 10 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

CTE Center at Ellicottville – June 11 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Please call 716-376-8200opens phone dialer with questions.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services. To learn more, visit www.caboces.org.

Belmont Center Update (4/30/26):

At approximately 11:10 a.m. today, during routine maintenance on a security system at the CABOCES Belmont Center, an accidental system trigger caused a full Lockdown notification to be issued.

• There was no threat or danger at any time.
• The system has since been restored to ready status.

We apologize for any confusion or concern this may have caused. Thank you for the immediate response of Emergency personnel. If you have any questions, you can call the CA BOCES Belmont Center principal @ 716-376-8327opens phone dialer.

Tim Clarke, CA BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services, was honored with a Western New York Educational Service Council Award of Excellence at the organization’s annual banquet. This recognition highlights his strong and lasting impact across the region and his continued commitment to supporting students, educators, and school communities.

The Western New York Educational Service Council Awards of Excellence Program recognizes outstanding school leaders and staff across the region for their service, leadership, and positive impact on students and their school communities.

CA BOCES District Superintendent and CEO Scott Payne said of Clarke, “Over the course of his career, Tim has been a steady force in helping educators and leaders navigate complex change. He has consistently kept a clear focus on improving outcomes for students. During his nearly three decades at CA BOCES, his work has left a deep and lasting impact on the organization.”

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services.

Syracuse, NY – April 24, 2026 – Several, local CA BOCES students were recently honored as top competitors in their fields in the area Skills USA state competition held in Syracuse, NY.

The Skills USA events are competitive events showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. Key areas of competition include communication, construction, heavy equipment operation, welding, animal sciences, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, human services, information technology, leadership, manufacturing, and STEM.

Many CA BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from centers in Belmont, Olean, and Ellicottville competed in the State competition with several of the students placing.

As the regional leader in education services, CA BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective shared services for 22 component school districts. CA BOCES empowers students to achieve their maximum potential by offering a wide variety of innovative programs and support that include special education, career and technical education, adult and continuing education, technology support, and instructional support services