JOHNSTOWN - The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services this week talked about starting a public-relations campaign so people would know BOCES isn't just a vocational-technical school.
BOCES?also wants the public to know what courses and information it offers students, particularly information that helps students plan their education.
"We are different than we were 15 years ago," said BOCES President Robert Townsend.
Students attend BOCES classes at the campus, which is adjacent to Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
The board wants to change public perception about what services BOCES offers.
Working with school districts in the areas that BOCES serves could be a way to offer more classes at a time when programs are being cut for budget constraints, BOCES?officials said.
Arts and music; advanced-placement classes, and science, technology, engineering and math programs could be offered to students throughout the three counties by having BOCES take these programs under its umbrella of services to school districts, BOCES?officials said.
BOCES plans to publicize its offerings without hiring a public-relations company.
Also this week, BOCES decided to allow Bishop Tractor Trailer Training School to use the BOCES' site for classroom instruction. Officials said there have been requests from area businesses for trained tractor-trailer drivers. The classes will be held for adults, said BOCES Superintendent Patrick Michel.