Recorded on location as a snowstorm started to brew through the Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center in Port Ewen, NY, this episode of Leading for Deeper Learning brings together Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations, for an in-depth conversation about the vital work happening behind the scenes to support learning for all—students and staff alike.
Amanda and Ed share how Ulster BOCES aligns its non-student-facing systems, structures, and processes with our "North Star" vision. From financial planning and resource allocation to fostering belonging and equity across the agency, they reveal how every role—whether in custodial services, food operations, or technology—ties back to the same guiding principles of equity, collaboration, and academic excellence.
In this episode, we explore how equity-based practices, such as budgeting and technology, create a sense of belonging for all learners. We discuss the collaboration between operational teams and educators to align their efforts and build systems that support deeper learning, as well as innovative approaches like empathy-building, cross-training, and breaking down "us vs. them" dynamics across divisions. Finally, we highlight how intentional professional learning helps non-instructional staff connect their work to classrooms, showing its direct impact on students and programs.
Amanda and Ed discuss how focusing on the "why" of the North Star enables teams to transcend traditional silos, creating a community where everyone pulls in the same direction. Tune in to hear how Ulster BOCES is building a foundation for a brighter future through strategic systems and collaboration.
Featuring:
Amanda Stokes, Assistant Superintendent for Administration at Ulster BOCES
Ed Forgit, Assistant Superintendent for Operations at Ulster BOCES

In this episode of Portrait of a Leader, we gather a powerful roundtable of educational changemakers to explore how leadership can transcend traditional constraints by integrating heartset into decision-making. Whether guiding students or supporting educators, leaders are discovering that learning is a natural gift—rooted in play, mastery, and passion—that can ignite transformative change.
We challenge the outdated mindsets reflected in report card comments like “socializes too much” or “struggles to stay on task.” With support and direction, these very behaviors—building community, collaborating, and exploring—are the keys to reimagining education.
Join us as we unpack how leaders can foster deeper learning and embrace project-based approaches to revolutionize a system that has remained static for decades. Leadership is the foundation for this bold new vision—tune in to discover ways that you can be a part of the shift!
Featuring:
Dr. Jill Berardi, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning Program at Ulster BOCES

Sarah Dudley-Lemek, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Educator Edge at Ulster BOCES

Peter Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Design - Career Pathways Program at Ulster BOCES

LEADING FOR DEEPER LEARNING with ULSTER BOCES is a podcast where shared stories serve as the roadmap for navigating changes in education. The series is hosted by Dr. Jonah Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State, featuring conversations with educational leaders, educators, and thought partners. Dr. Schenker and his guests explore key questions, share stories, and elevate student and educator voices to guide the journey from the current state of education to the future being built. Listeners will enjoy the insights and first-hand accounts of how educators are working ro reshape tomorrow’s educational landscape.

To learn more about Ulster BOCES visit https://www.ulsterboces.org/