November 30, 2023
Today marks a significant milestone for the Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (TST BOCES) as we bid farewell to our esteemed District Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey A. Matteson. After a remarkable tenure of over a decade at TST, Dr. Matteson will be embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career as the newly appointed Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy at the New York State Education Department.
Dr. Matteson began his journey with TST BOCES on June 1, 2013, bringing with him 35 years of experience as an educator, administrator, and advocate for educational excellence. Over the past 3,834 days, his influence on our campus has been profound, shaping TST's spirit, character, and dedication to student success.
Reflecting on his time as the TST District Superintendent, Dr. Matteson highlighted his most significant accomplishments and contributions to TST in the unprecedented challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview, he expressed, "While I believe we have made great progress in adding technology, new programs, and hiring amazing personnel, nothing compares to the challenge and collective achievement of keeping this organization afloat during the COVID era."
Under his leadership, TST witnessed significant accomplishments, from the integration of innovative technologies to the recruitment of exceptional personnel dedicated to serving individuals facing the greatest challenges. Dr. Matteson believes what sets TST apart from other school districts is the long history of recruiting and retaining a dedicated faculty and staff that have a high level of commitment to meet the individual needs of their students. He stated, "the educators and staff here at TST are a group of flat out committed individuals. They are willing to deal with the most challenging issues and back each other up... their commitment to the most vulnerable and unique populations will leave a lifelong positive impact... It was my honor to cheer them on and remind them how important they were to those that we serve."
When asked to share about a specific initiative during his time at TST that epitomizes the spirit and character of the district, Dr. Matteson said, " The spirit and character of TST is most often exhibited in the individual acts of kindness and assistance shown by our people to those we serve. You can see this every day. So, I have had the pleasure of seeing daily reminders of what makes this place special."
Looking ahead, Dr. Matteson expressed his intent to extend these positive aspects and values cultivated at TST to a broader scale, stating, "I think believing in people, encouraging them, and supporting them works everywhere. Taking the long view of school improvement and trusting the process and the people carrying it out should resonate regardless of state or local context."
Beyond his influence on the local Tompkins, Seneca, and Tioga communities, Dr. Matteson has actively participated in various state workgroups and national initiatives. His expertise in pivotal areas like graduation measures, computer science education, work-based learning, and ESSA implementation positions him as a significant contributor to the educational landscape. Despite not actively seeking his newly appointed position and intending to retire from TST, Dr. Matteson found the opportunity to aid the New York State Education Department in navigating the next stage of policymaking, particularly in implementing recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on graduation measures, appealing.
Stepping into the position of Senior Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Matteson identifies the paramount challenges in education, stating, "A critical issue is that many students are in crisis, and our existing systems are not effectively addressing their needs. There is no challenge more significant. Every student needs to have their basic needs met so they can pursue their interests through education and then move into their chosen life pathway."
The Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “Dr. Matteson will play a critical role in ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instructional opportunities and graduate ready to succeed in life after high school. Dr. Matteson’s record of working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and school leaders, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of education, will benefit our state’s students and the Department alike.”
Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa echoes these sentiments, saying, "Dr. Matteson’s wealth of knowledge and dedication to educational excellence will undoubtedly be an asset to our team as we work together to shape the future of education in our state."
As Dr. Matteson assumes his role as Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy, the TST community expresses its deepest gratitude for his exceptional leadership, guidance, and transformative impact.
In his farewell message to the TST community, Dr. Matteson emphasized, "TST BOCES was a special place before I arrived, remained a special place while I was here, and will continue to be a special place after my departure. The people who make the biggest impact at TST are those that are closest to the problem, and the people we have here dealing with problems are fantastic! NEVER GIVE UP ON THESE STUDENTS!!"
As TST BOCES celebrates Dr. Jeffrey Matteson's decade-long administration, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service and wish him continued success in his new role as a leader in New York State education.