Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES

Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES has announced the appointment of Jody Latini as the new Principal of Special Education, located at Cato-Meridian. As Latini steps into this role, she brings more than a decade of experience in special education and a student-centered approach shaped by her career path.

Latini said her journey to special education began unexpectedly after starting her professional life in health care. “This is actually my second career,” she said. “I was a respiratory therapist, then had the opportunity to stay home with my children when they were young. When they were in school, I began volunteering, then worked as an aide. I fell in love with teaching and went back to school to get a degree in Education with the goal of becoming an 8:1:1 teacher.”

She said she was encouraged to pursue the principal opportunity after a mentor reached out to her. “He felt that I would be a good match for the position and the culture at Cayuga-Onondaga,” Latini said. “When I started to explore the posting, the mission of Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES spoke to me. It is all the things I aspire to embrace in my career.”

Latini said her leadership approach is rooted in support. “The work that our teachers and staff are doing is so important. They are opening the world to students who might otherwise not be able to access things we take for granted. My goal is to provide our staff with the support they need to accomplish their vital work,” she said.

As she settles into her new role, Latini said she is focused on connection first. “I always seek to build relationships with the staff and students. It comes before everything else,” she said.

Her perspective is shaped by the meaningful encounters she has had with students over the years. “My students have been my best teachers,” she said. “I carry them with me into every new role.”

Outside of her work in schools, Latini spends her time with family, including two grown daughters. She loves the water and cherishes her time at her home on Seneca Lake. “My dogs insist that we start every day with a walk to the water,” she says. “It’s a great way to start the day!”