2025 Winter Conference

Planning the Work: Working the Plan
Finding and Funding Rural’s Future

Excelsior Springs Event Center – Saratoga Springs, NY

Thursday, December 4
12:00 – 5:30 PM

12:00 PM Check-in
1:00 PM Conference opening remarks and remarks by NYS Superintendent of the Year Ray Sanchez 
1:30 PM National Rural Education Association Presentation, with Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director
2:30 PM Break
2:45 PM Federal Education Panel:

Sarah Cohen
Associate Director, Government Relations

  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • Board Member of the Committee for Education Funding
  • Steering Committee for the National Coalition for Public Education

Becky Levin
Senior Lobbyist for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

  • Specializing in budget, appropriations, educational and nutrition policy.
  • Board Member of the Committee for Education Funding

Frank Ballman
Director of Federal Relations, National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs

  • Vice President of the Committee for Education Funding

Rae Lynn Helman, Ed.D.
Director of Special Education and Student Services, LeRoy Central School

  • NY CASE (Council for Administrators of Special Education) Co-President
  • NY CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) Past President
  • Children’s Advocacy Network Chair NY CEC
  • CASE National Membership Committee Member
  • 2023 SAANYS Educator of the Year

4:00 PM Reception (sponsored by Highland Associates) 
+ STEAM Bus visit!
5:30 PM Adjourn
8:00 PM Football Event (held offsite sponsored by C&S Companies)

Friday, December 5
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

8:00 AM Breakfast 
9:00 AM Ferrara Fiorenza PC Legal Team Presentation
10:00 AM Break
10:20 AM Portrait of a Graduate, presented by Erie 2 BOCES 
11:30 AM Lunch
12:15 PM SED Leadership Team
1:30 PM Break
1:45 PM Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer
2:30 PM Advocates/State of the State Panel
3:15 PM Closing Remarks
3:30 PM Adjourn

An afternoon break with refreshments will be provided on Thursday. On Friday breakfast and lunch will be served, along with two beverage and snack breaks. Participants are encouraged to explore Saratoga Springs for dinner on both evenings.

For registrants:
The cost of the conference is $295 per registration and is fully BOCES-aidable. 

Billing will be completed through the BOCES Billing Process. A cross-contract will be necessary to complete the registration process. The WSWHE BOCES will initiate the Cross-Contract once a registration is received. Purchase orders are not required for this registration.

For registration or invoice questions, contact Abigail Turcotte: aturcotte@wswheboces.org

Register now

Lodging:
Lodging is now closed. We recommend visiting the Saratoga Springs webpage for lodging options.

Sponsored by