Delaware Academy Hears BOCES Update

By Wildert Marte

DELHI — The Delaware Academy Central School District Board of Education held its regular meeting on October 27, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance. The evening featured a presentation on the proposed DCMO BOCES capital project, student organization updates, financial reports, and personnel approvals.

The meeting opened with a detailed presentation from DCMO BOCES representative Mike Roe, outlining a proposed $44.4 million capital project. Roe explained that the plan was developed over a year with architects, construction managers, and superintendents. The project addresses infrastructure needs, including roofing, HVAC systems, boilers, and new secure entrances at both campuses. It would also renovate classrooms, expand Career and Technical Education programs, and improve accessibility. Roe noted that the last major BOCES capital project took place in 2005, making this plan long overdue. He said the new project follows four guiding principles: safety, flexibility, expanded learning opportunities, and fiscal responsibility. The goal, he emphasized, is to make BOCES facilities “future-ready” while maintaining affordability for districts.

A major component of the proposal involves the potential purchase of Masonville Elementary School from the Sidney Central School District. The building, appraised at $1 million, would receive about $2 million in renovations to serve as a new site for special education and alternative education programs. Roe said the facility’s central location and strong condition make it ideal for expansion.

“It would open up classroom space at both existing campuses and help meet growing needs in special education,” he said.

Roe also addressed financial details, explaining that the project’s debt will replace expiring obligations, keeping district payments stable. “There will be almost no increase in annual cost to component districts,” he said. For Delaware Academy, the estimated tax impact would be 83 cents per $100,000 of property value, below the regional average of $2.18. He said 90% of the project would be covered by state aid. The project would be voted on February 3, 2026, with two ballot questions, one for the campus renovation and another for purchasing Masonville School. Roe said BOCES plans to hold public information sessions, mailings, and online forums to ensure residents are informed. “We want this to be transparent and community-driven,” he added.

Following the BOCES presentation, the board heard from the Ski Club advisors, who reviewed last year’s successful season and plans for 2026. The program will expand from five to six Saturdays at Plattekill Mountain and now requires lessons for new skiers to promote safety. Last season had 17 student participants, while this year over 40 students have signed up. Next, FFA senior member Delaney McCann shared highlights from her recent trip to Wisconsin through Cornell’s Junior Dairy Leaders Program. McCann described visiting several large dairy farms, learning about advanced milking technologies, and attending the World Dairy Expo. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared her future goal of studying dairy nutrition at SUNY Cobleskill and later at Cornell University. The board applauded her accomplishments.

The board then approved a request for two FFA students and a chaperone to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from October 28 to November 1. Superintendent Carrie O’Hara called it “an incredible leadership experience that connects classroom learning to real-world agriculture.” Personnel motions followed, including staff appointments, coaching approvals, and acceptance of the Special Education report for August through October. Principal Dana Pinter reported on school activities, noting that the elementary and middle school open houses were well attended. Students participated in fire safety lessons, and guest performer Superman, a Native American rapper and fancy war dancer, visited for a cultural presentation that “had the gym rocking,” Pinter said.

The high school continued college readiness initiatives, including SUNY’s free application week and a college fair in Binghamton attended by 70 students. The student senate held a blood drive, meeting its donation goal. Upcoming events include a Veterans Day assembly on November 10, parent-teacher conferences, and a Halloween parade.

Business Administrator Sarah Anderson reported that the district has collected nearly 90% of school taxes and that financial operations remain stable. She noted ongoing work on the district audit, expected to conclude by November, and announced that new cafeteria furniture will arrive in December. She also updated the board on capital project progress, including gym and paving improvements. The Facilities and Capital Committee discussed plans to use remaining project contingency funds for essential maintenance, such as replacing the high school gymnasium floor and repairing the front steps at Kellogg Hall. O’Hara said both could be completed without increasing taxes. “We’re focused on addressing long-term building needs responsibly,” he said. Superintendent O’Hara also recognized School Board Appreciation Month, thanking members for their continued support. “You protect our students from the chaos of the outside world,” he said. “Your guidance lets us focus on their emotional and academic growth.”

In closing, the board reviewed upcoming meeting dates and briefly discussed exploring a possible Pre-K expansion during next year’s budget process. The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m., with the next session scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Media Library Center.