TST BOCES - Tompkins · Seneca · Tioga

Greetings, 

We hope this message finds you well. We are thrilled to share our attached Blueprint for Excellence, which is the Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES direction, both for our campuses and our wider region. This Blueprint for Excellence is about actualizing our vision: “We lead by providing human connections through model programs that respond to evolving needs and promote intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to engage in challenging experiences.” Thank you to all of the students, staff, educators, administrators, board members, community partners, and others who contributed to the creation of this Blueprint.

With the challenges of economic uncertainty, widespread division, and a lack of clarity regarding the future of public education (just to name a few), it might be easier to stay siloed and territorial - to just “take care of our own.” But in this region, the Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES region, we’ve made a commitment to all of our children, across nine districts. As such, we have organized our Blueprint into four main areas: 

Regionalization - We will maximize student opportunities by developing a coordinated partnership among component districts to share resources, expand programming, and enhance educational experiences.

NYS Inspires/Blue Ribbon Commission - We will ensure that all students are prepared for future success by supporting their discovery and pursuit of their passions, supporting their well-being, and cultivating adaptability, flexibility, and high expectations beyond high school through focused, equitable, and transferable learning experiences.

Inclusive Special Education - We will strengthen communication across the TST BOCES region to ensure equitable access and deliver meaningful, high-quality educational experiences for all students.

Equity and Leadership - To provide opportunities for all, by identifying and removing barriers to access, participation, and success.

This shared document represents the collective belief that we are stronger together than we are apart. And we need your help. Some of these actions, big ideas and strategies are targeted, but many will require you, me, and others to get together and discover a way forward. We look forward to sharing everyone’s progress with you and our wider community on our website throughout the coming years. Thank you for your support and partnership. 

With appreciation,

Lily C. Talcott

District Superintendent and CEO

Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES