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E1B Connect 2026: Rooted in Hope, Connected by Community

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E1B Connect 2026: Rooted in Hope, Connected by Community

Administrative Services and Technology 11- and 12-month staff, along with Instructional Services 12-month staff, gathered at the Education Campus on August 6 for E1B Connect: Rooted in Hope, Connected by Community, a day focused on professional learning, collaboration, and strengthening connections.

The day began with executive leadership updates, followed by the E1B Connect Community Panel, which brought together regional leaders from education, nonprofit organizations, business and community service. Panelists explored the power of relationships, collaboration, advocacy and hope while discussing how organizations can work together to strengthen communities across Western New York. The discussion reflected Erie 1 BOCES' strategic priorities and highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities, fostering belonging and improving outcomes for students, families and communities. Employees also learned more about two new leadership roles at Erie 1 BOCES, as Steven Graser, assistant superintendent of Professional Leadership and School Support Services, and Michelle Okal-Frink, executive director of WNYRIC Services. The pair shared their priorities, goals, and vision for their respective areas.

During the morning program, Erie 1 BOCES also recognized two extraordinary milestones of service. Board President John Sherman was honored for 45 years of dedicated service on the Erie 1 BOCES Board, recognizing his longstanding commitment to public education and the organization. Charles Harper was also recognized for 49 years of service to Erie 1 BOCES, celebrating his decades of dedication and contributions to the organization’s facilities team.

Employees continued the day by participating in a variety of breakout sessions that covered topics such as artificial intelligence, communication, safety, productivity, diversity and belonging, as well as other initiatives taking place across the organization.

The afternoon provided additional opportunities to connect with colleagues. Employees, along with AFSCME-12 and E1MA retirees, enjoyed a food truck lunch hosted by AFSCME-12 and E1MA, learned more about committees, teams and departments during the Gallery Walk, supported students in need through the I.D.E.A. Committee's Toiletries and Hygiene Product Drive, and tested their organizational and cultural knowledge during the BOCES Battle of the Brains. Attendees also participated in prize giveaways throughout the day, thanks to the support of a number of business sponsors.

With Appreciation

Special thanks to our panelists:

  • Hadar Borden, director of Startup & Innovation Collaboratory and WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program at University at Buffalo
  • Melissa Schutte, senior director of AmeriCorps Program Operations at The Service Collaborative of WNY
  • Catherine Shick, chief communications officer at FeedMore WNY
  • Rebecca Decker, senior regulatory specialist at Rich Products Corporation

Special thanks to our business sponsors:

  • ClearTouch
  • Cohesity
  • CrowdStrike
  • Data Center Warehouse
  • Dell
  • Extreme Networks
  • F5
  • Fortinet
  • iBoss
  • Lyon Micro
  • Securly
  • SHI

Special thanks to our committee members:

  • Hannah Balfour
  • Richard Booth
  • Andrea Brown
  • Barbara Fedchak
  • Jessica Karches
  • William Couch
  • Charlotte MacVittie-Morales
  • John Marren
  • Amanda McDonnell
  • Naomi Pabon-Figueroa
  • Christopher Poette
  • Jennifer Powell
  • Lynn Reed
  • Michelle Rozanski
  • Emily Sass
  • Karen Ward
  • Taylor Watson
  • Jason Wilhelm