Future Ready: Creating Opportunities, Expanding Possibilities

As we welcome students, families, and staff back for another school year, we are reminded of the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead for our region's young people. The beginning of each school year brings renewed energy, optimism, and a shared commitment to helping every student discover their potential. At Madison-Oneida BOCES, that commitment is reflected in our continued efforts to ensure that students are not only prepared for graduation, but are truly Future Ready.

Working alongside our component school districts, we are strengthening the connections between education, higher education, and the evolving workforce needs of our region. Our growing partnerships with SUNY Morrisville and Mohawk Valley Community College are creating new opportunities for students to explore career pathways, develop technical skills, and experience college-level learning while still in high school.

This year, we are especially excited about the launch of new programs in electrical trades and welding, as well as our New Visions program at Griffiss, which will connect students with the emerging high-technology industries and career opportunities taking shape across Central New York. Equally important is the launch of our Early College Access program, a regional initiative designed to significantly expand access to affordable dual-credit coursework and help more students begin their college journeys before graduating from high school.

Together, these initiatives represent more than new programs. They reflect a regional commitment to expanding opportunity, removing barriers, and ensuring that every student has access to meaningful pathways toward college, careers, and lifelong success.

As you explore this edition of MOBOCES Connection, we hope you see that spirit of innovation and collaboration reflected throughout our work. We are grateful for the continued partnership of our school districts, colleges, businesses, and communities as we work together to prepare the next generation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Here's to a great school year and a future filled with possibilities!

Warm regards,

Lisa Decker
Deputy Superintendent & Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Matthew Williams
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Dana Percia, Master Teacher!

Congratulations to PROPEL teacher Dana Percia, who was part of the most recent class of NYS Master Teachers!

The Master Teacher program recognizes outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers and counselors, fostering a statewide network of educators dedicated to professional growth and development. Following the initial four-year program, teacher who complete all the requirements - including 50 hours of professional development - become a Master Teacher Emeritus and continue to support newer cohorts.

Dana, part of the 2025 cohort, currently teaches 7 math classes over the course of the school year to juniors and seniors enrolled in the PROPEL program, housed at MVCC Rome. Before joining the PROPEL team, she taught in the Alternative Education program on campus.

“Being a Master Teacher as been a goal of mine for some time,” she said. “I enjoy having the ability to interact with other Master Teachers and learn from them.”

Dana has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Government from Utica College and a master’s degree in teaching from SUNY Empire State College, with certifications in both chemistry and math. She also has Certificates of Advanced Study in Radiation Curing Technology from SUNY ESF and in Data Analysis from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she also continues to teach.

Dana was the only MOBOCES teacher in her cohort, but her colleague Brandon Fleming is a Master Teacher Emeritus! Brandon, who teaches the New Visions Griffiss program, earned his designation in 2018, prior to joining our faculty.