PLATTSBURGH — Champlain Valley Educational Services has been serving North Country students for 75 years and they hope their work will continue to aid the local workforce for more years to come.
“Obviously we’re celebrating the past and all the work that has been done here at CVES, and what wonderful programs everyone here has provided. So I want to thank you for that,” State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) said at a recent ceremony acknowledging three-quarters of a century of educating area students.
“I also want to say what you’re doing for the future here, the growth that you are having in the workforce development for our students, preparing them for the future, is unbelievable.”
1949
The Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington Board of Cooperative Educational Services was formed in 1949 to help improve both the equity and cost effectiveness of educational service in the North Country.
Initially, the agency offered three services to its component school districts: elementary art, school nurse-teacher and dental hygiene.
Students have learned trades and other professional skills in a hands-on environment that have allowed many to secure employment in the local area for decades.
BOCES started using the name Champlain Valley Educational Services in 1995.
It has grown to include 16 component school districts across four counties, while providing programs and services to over 50 school districts across New York State.
CVES is one of 37 BOCES across New York State.
To celebrate, CVES representatives from all 16 districts and alumni gathered at CVES along with state education and local government leaders.
Dr. Betty Rosa, commissioner of education and president of the State University of New York, said the state sees BOCES programs as vital education partners.
“I see your ability to show us the way to look at what we’re doing and say, ‘here’s how we’re doing it as part of best practices.’ and so the excitement is that we get to think about doing this work, but think about it with you, for you and for all of us collectively,” Rosa said
“And I know our board in particular wants to make sure that your voices are very much a part of these initiatives. So I see the BOCES as a major player and a group of individuals that bring back to the table to ensure that your voices are reflective and a very much of all this good work.”
LEGACY
Dr. Mark Davey, CVES District Superintendent, said the program has come a long way from its days as the Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
“The legacy of CVES is one of adaptability. It’s one of resilience. It wasn’t always easy,” Davey said.
“Our school districts didn’t always come in unanimously over the 75 years, but over time, everyone made the transition so that there was support that was across the board and unanimous.”
Davey said that over the years, component school districts and communities have come together to create the vision of an organization that continues to make a difference and move forward for the future.
“From the contributions of the past… we have been fortunate to have helped shape CVES into what it is today. With our outstanding leaders and our staff and our component school district support, we have promoted educational excellence and become a cornerstone of education in the North Country,” he said.
“It leaves me with humbleness, as well as being honored and proud to be standing here sharing this celebration with you. Since day one, in 1949, CVES… the top priority of the organizations was to support the students and education in and throughout the North Country, especially in Clinton and Essex counties… This is an organization with many stories to tell, many chapters, and a tremendous amount of successes.”
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said read a proclamation from the town.
“In honor of the 75 years of exceptional service, dedication, commitment to students and educators of our community, your pursuit of excellence and career preparation special education and structural services, administrative support and professional development has made a lasting impact,” Cashman said.
“Congratulations on this remarkable milestone.”
Commissioner Rosa said she learned a lot.
“I have to tell you, early this morning, just having an incredible opportunity to really, truly see not only children, the staff, the leadership and the joy and the amazing work. I am taking back, not only lessons learned, the teacher in me just felt like, ‘Oh my God, there’s so much going on’ and the richness and so the gifts that you have given me by allowing me to be part of the work that you do every single day.” she said.