At the May 18, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education appointed Amber K Dennis to the Director of Special Education position. Dennis, a native of Fishs Eddy, New York served the Vestal Central School as their Assistant Director of Special Education since 2019 and prior to this role, she supported the Hancock Central School District as Director of Pupil Personnel. Board President Vanessa Warren commented on the appointment by saying, “The selection process allowed DCMO BOCES to thoroughly evaluate candidates with outstanding achievements. Ms. Dennis' qualifications met the organization's needs for building stronger relationships with families and her experience also connected with the goals of improving professional development and practices. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Dennis to our team.”
Dennis holds NYS certifications in the areas of School District Leader, School Building Leader, Special Education PK-12, and Elementary Education PK-6. She obtained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Canisius College, a Masters of Science in Special Education from Binghamton University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta. Her professional training includes Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, Professional Learning Communities, and multiple academic professional learning certifications.
On the news of her official appointment, Dennis said, “I am honored to become a part of the DCMO BOCES team and excited to begin this new journey. I look forward to building upon the excellence DCMO is known for and partnering with our students, families, staff, community, and component districts in continuing to provide exceptional opportunities for our students.”
Dennis begins her new position on June 27, 2022, supporting both the Pole and the Harrold Campus with her leadership and commitment to students’ success. “We are pleased to bring Dennis to our team and encourage families and staff to lend support while she gets settled with her new role,” said District Superintendent Perry T. Dewey III.