Today's Spotlight is on Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Director of Special Programs at Pathways Academy and Central Valley 5-12 Tracy Facchini.
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Q. About when did you start working in your current position at Herkimer BOCES?
A. September 2024.
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Q. What led you to your current position at Herkimer BOCES?
A. I bring over two decades of experience in special education and educational leadership to my role at Herkimer BOCES. My career began in the classroom and evolved into district-level leadership, where I supported students from preschool through age 21, guided special education and 504 programming, and collaborated closely with educators and families. Herkimer BOCES represents a natural extension of my professional journey, allowing me to apply my district-level experience within a larger, collaborative system that serves multiple districts.
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Q. What do you find rewarding about working in your current position?
A. What I find most rewarding about my current position at Herkimer BOCES is the opportunity to work alongside talented educators who serve some of our most exceptional students. I am continually amazed by their dedication and by the depth of commitment they show to their students, both personally and professionally.
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Q. When did you first know you wanted to work in this field and what made you feel that way?
A. I first realized I wanted to work in education because I have always enjoyed learning and had positive school experiences. Over time, my curiosity grew beyond knowledge itself to a deeper interest in the diverse ways students learn and process information.
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Q. What do you think makes Herkimer BOCES special?
A. What makes Herkimer BOCES special is its ability to offer a wide range of services that reflect the unique needs of the districts and communities it serves. Each BOCES program has its own personality, shaped by the students, staff and purpose it serves, while still being part of a larger collaborative system designed to support schools and students in meaningful ways.
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Q. What value do you believe Herkimer BOCES provides for students and/or the community?
A. I believe Herkimer BOCES provides tremendous value by offering students and the community alternative pathways to achieve positive outcomes. Through flexible, specialized programs and supports, BOCES meets students where they are and creates opportunities for success that may not exist in traditional settings.