Erie 1 BOCES Celebrates Increase in State Funding to CTE Instructors

On September 30, 2025, Erie 1 BOCES welcomed New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad to the Kenton Career and Technical Education Center to celebrate the state’s funding of his legislation to increase the salary reimbursement cap for BOCES’ career and technical education teachers. 

Conrad first introduced the legislation during the 2022 session. For nearly 20 years prior, the bill was carried by Bronx-based Assembly Member Michael Benedetto, chair of the Assembly Committee on Education, of which Conrad is a member.

The legislation was at last successfully incorporated into the 2025-2026 state budget. The budget, which included a $60 million allotment to fund Conrad’s bill to increase the salary cap for BOCES instruction, was adopted by both houses in June and immediately signed into law by Governor Hochul.

The state reimbursement cap of $18,000 had not been changed since 1990. With inflation, the reimbursement percentage of a teacher’s salary has drastically decreased in the past 35 years.

The bill and its $60 million allocation provides for a $10,000-per-year increase in the instructor reimbursement rate for the next three years, bringing the rate in line with current salaries and reducing the amount BOCES must charge each school district. This reduces the disincentive to school districts to encourage their students’ participation in the Career and Technical Education programs run by Erie 1 BOCES.

“As a former high school teacher, I’ve long been a proponent of BOCES and its CTE programs, so this budget win was especially gratifying for me,” said Assemblyman Conrad. “This aid will help districts more easily afford kids’ participation in BOCES – and that is our way toward higher graduation rates, a stronger workforce, and a more resilient economy.”

“This is an investment in education,” said Erie 1 BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Michael Capuana. “It's a statement in our belief in our students and their potential. Across Erie County and New York State, more and more young people are discovering the powers of Career and Technical Education.”

At Erie 1 BOCES alone, enrollments in CTE programs have grown by 34% over the last five years.

“Career and Technical Education programs work,” said Erie 1 Professional Education Association President Donna Walters. “We see it every day. Students in CTE graduate at higher rates, and they leave with skills and certifications and confidence that set them up for good-paying careers in healthcare, construction, IT, manufacturing, and so many other fields our state desperately needs.”

This additional funding will allow Erie 1 BOCES to continue to deliver high-quality education to those who wish to attend a Career and Technical Education program. Students attending BOCES graduate at a higher rate, 93% versus the state average of 86%, and are better equipped for college or to enter the workforce.

“Together, we're not just reimagining what education can be, we’re building what it must be: relevant, inclusive, and rooted in community,” said Dr. Capuana. “This funding is both a policy win and a promise that every student will have support, resources, and opportunity to thrive. Because when our students succeed, our communities grow stronger.”