Steve Woodard is retiring after 15 years at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES and more than 30 years working in the field of education. Prior to joining Cayuga Onondaga BOCES in 2007, he worked in Batavia, Moravia, Groton and Dryden, serving as a teacher, a coach, a principal and an athletic director, among other roles.

During this time, he said, “I have crossed paths with a lot of people in the past 34 years and spent a lot of time coming over the hill from Cortland and up and down 38. Ironically, this whole route 38 corridor is where a lot of our constituents here are tied into.” 

During his last week in the building, coworkers planned “Woodard Days” to showcase the different things that they enjoyed about working with Steve. Most notably, Steve’s wife packed up a box of his ugliest ties which, unbeknownst to him, he hand delivered to Jennifer Henry in his office. On one of the “Woodard Days,” staff wore “Woodard ties” in honor of Steve and his stylish accessories.

Of his time at Cayuga- Onondaga BOCES, Woodard mentioned the people first and foremost. I would say we have a wonderful staff, great students and are able to meet the needs of students in ways that some school systems are not able to. It’s been a good place to work with people that understand the human side of education.”  

He also noted that education is not “one-size fits all” and that BOCES “has a lot of different shoes in the closet to help kids meet graduation requirements.” That is an approach of which he is most proud.

As for retirement, Woodard will be busy.  He will play a little more golf, travel some, but mostly his kids and their education and sports will be his focus.

The administration, teachers and staff at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES extended Woodard many thanks for his contributions to students.