Stephen Shafer, District Superintendent

On June 4th, 2019 Cheryl Felt delivered a graceful speech outlining Stephen Shafer’s career and his accomplishments here at FEH BOCES.

John Brynes 1948-1962, Maurice Finnegan 1962-1971, Robert Whitman 1971-1986, David DeSantis 1987-2007, and now Stephen Shafer 2007-2019

Each of these leaders carried the torch for Franklin Essex Hamilton BOCES ensuring that the light was never extinguished, and that education for the rural communities of northern NY continued to shine brightly.

Steve Shafer came to FEH BOCES with a wealth of experience. A graduate of Tully High School, Steve received his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and his Master’s degree from SUNY Oswego. He completed the CAS credential from SUNY Cortland.

Steve Shafer spent time in the classroom at Pulaski Central School where he taught Physics, Chemistry, Math 8 and Physical Science. He honed his administrative skills while at Canastota Central School, then found his way to the North Country. Steve has held various positions throughout our region, serving as Assistant Principal at Norwood Norfolk Central School, as the School Improvement and Planning Coordinator and Assistant Director of Special Services at the Franklin Essex Hamilton BOCES. In March 2000, he was recruited to be the Assistant Superintendent at Malone Central School District and in July 2005 he was appointed as Superintendent of Schools, a position he held until he rejoined the FEH BOCES team as DS in 2007.

Steve’s legacy will be one that focuses on strong ties to the community and his work with outside agencies strengthening educational understanding. Through his involvement with Community Intervention Partnership (CIP) and Rotary Club our region has gained a true appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between education and community. As the community thrives when education flourishes.

Steve’s vision for our FEH BOCES always incorporated the core values of equity and excellance for all students. He believed that sharing instructional and professional development services was a critical and vital role of our BOCES. He proudly watched as our CTE & NV programs expanded and created new and enduring opportunities for the youth of our region. Under Steve’s watch, the FEH BOCES took on a major revitalization and capital project, further cementing our educational foundation rooted in Northern NY.

Steve has accomplished much in his working career, but he has had the true support of a loving wife and children. He certainly knows that for him “home is where the heart is.” In scaling back in his professional life, may Steve and Cindy enjoy the bounties that their mutual hard work has produced.

I share a few words from authors Diane Frolov & Andrew Schneider.

“Light, sunlight, torchlight, candlelight, neon, incandescent lights that banish the darkness from our caves to illuminate our roads. From the big floodlights that illuminate our athletic fields to the tiny flashlights that we use to read under the covers when we are supposed to be sleeping. Light is more than watts and candles. Light is knowledge, light is life, light is light. “

May Steve Shafer’s legacy to our regions students and families eternally shine and light the way for the next torchbearer.

-Cheryl Felt, Deputy Superintendent, FEH BOCES

Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement Mr. Shafer, you will be greatly missed.