Patterson joins BOCES as Special Ed Director

Michelle Patterson joins the Northeast Colorado Board of Cooperative Educational Services team as the Director of Special Education. The Northeast BOCES provides cooperative educational services for 12-member school districts in northeast Colorado including Akron, Buffalo, Frenchman, Haxtun, Holyoke, Julesburg, Lone Star, Otis, Plateau, Revere, Wray and Yuma. Patterson's work in this new role begins on July 1.

"Patterson possesses a wealth of expertise in education, including a vast amount of experience with students with disabilities, as a teacher and for many years as a preschool, kindergarten through 12th grade principal for the Otis School District," explains Tamara Durbin, the Northeast BOCES Executive Director. "Patterson is an exceptional leader and a highly respected individual and I look forward to working with her in this new role. She will, without a doubt, make our team stronger."

Patterson accepts the position that was vacated by Durbin upon her acceptance of the Executive Director role with the BOCES.

"I have loved all of my years working for the Otis School District," said Patterson. "Leaving the district for the role as Northeast BOCES Director of Special Education was a difficult decision, but also a decision I am extremely excited for.  The Director position will allow me to continue to work with the Otis School District and with the other member districts in Northeastern Colorado. I will be able to continue my work and support of educators, as well as for students.  So essentially, I will be doing similar work, just for more districts, students and staff - what an exciting adventure I am about to embark on!  There's much I will need to learn but I am joining a strong team and am confident they'll be great help to me."

The Northeast BOCES provides specialized educational services to school districts, as a cost sharing organization. These services include special education, mental health coordination, school health services, professional development, federal programs, alternative teacher licensure, data and technology, career and technical education, school-to-work programs, grant writing and cooperative purchasing.

The BOCES was formed in July of 1966, employs 65-70 employees and is governed by board representatives of member school districts. The BOCES main office is in Haxtun.

For more information visit: http://www.neboces.org.