Administrative Services

Administrative services provided by Rockland BOCES include: transportation services; health, safety, and security; cooperative bidding; and related school support services. Districts contract with the BOCES to participate in specific services in these areas.

In addition, there are services that are carried out through cross contracts with other BOCES. The cost for cross contracts is determined by the BOCES that is delivering the services. The Rockland BOCES charges no coordinating fee for these cross contracted services, which are described in the separate Cross Contract section of this document.

Board of Cooperative Educational Services
A BOCES is a public organization that was created by the New York State Legislature in 1948 to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts. Today, BOCES continues to partner with school districts to provide a broad range of services to help meet the evolving needs of learners of all ages.

How does BOCES work?
BOCES services are created when two or more school districts decide they have similar needs that can be met by a shared program. BOCES helps school districts save money by providing opportunities to pool resources and share costs.

Sharing is an economical way for districts to provide programs and services that they might not be able to afford otherwise. However, BOCES services are often customized, offering districts the flexibility to meet their individual needs.

How are BOCES service paid for?
Except for an administrative charge that is based on each district's size, districts pay only for BOCES services they use. BOCES expenses are incorporated into each district's annual budget. State aid helps offset some of the expenses, while others are directly funded by the state or federal government. BOCES has no taxing authority.

Who is Responsible for Running a BOCES?
A governing board made up of representatives from component school districts is responsible for the oversight of curricular, financial and other policy decisions. The chief executive officer of a BOCES also serves as District Superintendent and works closely with local school districts as both a liaison to and agent of the New York State Commissioner of Education.