Agreement with BOCES helps district with heavy [construction] lifting

An ongoing agreement between Schoharie Central Schools and Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School is saving money and time for the district, keeping school property serviceable for the community, and providing learning experiences for local students.

In addition to maintaining and repairing heavy construction equipment owned by BOCES, Schoharie Central is able to use the equipment and tap the BOCES’ Heavy Equipment Operation class for assistance with necessary projects such as drainage work, brush clearing, excavation and parking lot repairs.

The value of having heavy equipment available and ready to use could be seen as recently as last month, when Schoharie Central staff use a dump truck, front-end loader and skidsteer in to make emergency repairs to a collapsed culvert under the school’s front lawn.

Brian Deffer, a Schoharie Central mechanic and bus driver, keeps the heavy equipment up and running, performing routine maintenance such as oil changes and lubrication and minor repairs such as fixing a cracked window or replacing teeth on bucket.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for both the school district and the BOCES - it couldn’t have worked out any better. We’ve gotten a lot of work done here this summer, and Heavy Equipment Teacher Kevin Kenyon is very easy to work with,” Deffer said.

“The heavy equipment agreement with BOCES employs the expertise of Schoharie Central's mechanic," Schoharie Superintendent of Schools Brian Sherman said, "and our working with the Career & Tech students and equipment means the district does not have spend additional dollars and time leasing equipment or contracting for certain projects.

"BOCES, in turn does not have to transport its heavy equipment to its Albany campus or an outside vendor for repair. In these tough economic times, sharing resources and talents is especially valuable and appreciated,” Sherman added.

“Our students enjoy being involved in real-life, real-time projects at Schoharie Central Schools, where they can put their knowledge to work, see the results of their hard work, and also help the school district,” said Schoharie Career & Technical School Principal Denise Capece. “They also help build pride in the community.”

Sherman and Capece have already talked about partnering on projects for the upcoming school year, including a pavilion to be built with the Elementary Parent Teacher Student Organization, a weatherproof awning for the district office entrance, and ongoing clearing, drainage and grounds improvements.

[7/29/2011]