What an honor to have Patrick Mannion from the NYSED Board of Regents spend the day with MOBOCES District Superintendent Scott Budelmann on a tour of four of our Oneida County component schools!

Regent Mannion made stops at VVS Middle School, New York State School for the Deaf, Rome Free Academy high school and Camden Middle School, giving him an opportunity to talk with students, teachers, administrators and board members about unique programs and exciting learning opportunities that are preparing students for graduation and beyond.

Mannion was elected to the Board of Regents about six months ago and has been visiting all 71 school districts in his region.

“When I took this role, I committed to getting out into the field to see what’s happening in schools that I represent. That gives me a much deeper and better understanding of not only this region, but of issues statewide,” he said. “I enjoy talking with the students and teachers.”

During his visit, he saw a variety of classes in session at RFA, toured the NYSSD facilities and learned more community schools and STEAM initiatives. He also held roundtable discussions with student leaders in VVS and Camden, with topics ranging from new graduation pathways and extracurricular opportunities to Title IX, equity and inclusion, and school cell phone policies.

School superintendents in all the districts said they are pleased that Mannion engaged with students and staff and asked so many thoughtful questions.

“When someone is making policy decisions at the state level, it’s good for them to have some firsthand experiences with the local communities,” Budelmann said. “We’re appreciative that he was able to spend time visiting schools in our region and getting to know more about the successes and challenges we have in education.”

See more photos from Regent Mannion’s visit on our Facebook page!