Board of Education for Jefferson-Lewis BOCES selects Christopher DiFulvio for Top Leadership Position

The Board of Education for Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES—commonly known as Jefferson-Lewis BOCES—is pleased to announce the selection of Christopher DiFulvio as its next District Superintendent.

DiFulvio currently serves as Superintendent of the Cazenovia Central School District, located about 20 miles southeast of Syracuse. Pending successful contract negotiations, he will succeed Jefferson-Lewis BOCES District Superintendent Stephen Todd, who is set to retire in October after serving 11 years at the helm.

The Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Board of Education is scheduled to formally approve DiFulvio’s appointment at its regular meeting on Wednesday. His anticipated start date is Nov. 1, 2025.

Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Board of Education President Jennifer Jones said she and her Board colleagues were “thrilled to welcome” a knowledgeable and experienced educator to continue leading BOCES in a positive direction, especially as enrollments in Career & Technical Education (CTE) continues to rise.

“After a thorough search, the Board is confident we have found a candidate whose leadership, vision and commitment to educational excellence will serve our students, staff and communities well,” Jones said. “This is an exciting new chapter for our region, and we look forward to the future with great optimism.”

DiFulvio brings a wide variety of leadership experience to the position, having served as a teacher, CTE principal, director, and Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services at Onondaga-Cortland-Madison (OCM) BOCES for six years before becoming Superintendent in Cazenovia in 2021.

“I am honored and excited to serve Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, an organization that plays such a vital role in supporting students, families, and districts across multiple counties,” DiFulvio said. “This is an opportunity to bring my experience as a Superintendent, past BOCES Assistant Superintendent and my passion for collaboration to a region with incredible potential.”

As District Superintendent for the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, DiFulvio will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer and as the New York State Commissioner of Education’s representative in the region. He will work closely with BOCES’ 18 component school districts. In addition to student programs, which serve about 1,580 students, Jefferson-Lewis BOCES also offers administrative services to districts, adult education, and professional development for educators.

“What excites me most about Jefferson–Lewis BOCES is the chance to expand pathways for students —whether it’s college, careers, or military service — and to ensure that every child in our 18 component districts has access to opportunities that prepare them for their future,” DiFulvio said.

 DiFulvio also expressed profound gratitude to the Cazenovia school community.

“Serving as Superintendent in Cazenovia has been an honor. I am grateful to the board, staff, families, and community members who partnered with me to support our students,” he said. “I look forward to carrying those lessons and experiences with me as I begin this next chapter with Jefferson-Lewis BOCES.”

DiFulvio’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Scranton, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Le Moyne College. 

The Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Board of Education conducted a nationwide search for a new superintendent with support from OCM BOCES District Superintendent Matt Cook, Ed.D. Community input, gathered through a survey and discussions with BOCES stakeholders, helped the Board identify the qualities most important in a candidate.

The Board would like to thank everyone who contributed their time and feedback to this important decision.