NORWICH – Turning the first shovels of soil over for a $48 million project Friday, administrators say symbolized much more than a building project.

Teachers, parents, students, school staff and administration gathered among many community members to watch the groundbreaking ceremony on the front lawn of the Delaware Chenango Madison Otsego (DCMO) BOCES Friday morning.

BOCES Board President Timothy Thomas said construction of the new facility is not only exciting, but also shows the amount of overwhelming support given to BOCES by the 16 component districts and the community.

“These students are the foundation of our future,” he said.

District Superintendent Alan Pole said the building project represents more than just bricks and mortar. He said having the referendum pass showed the support the community has for the good teaching and good learning that is provided at BOCES. “We are making our vision a reality,” said Pole. He also said “provided here are the skills of the workforce tomorrow.”

Right from the start, the BOCES building project has integrated the skills and talents the student body possess and the groundbreaking was no different. Not only did the students themselves turn over the first shovels of soil, they provided student perspectives to the crowd, made the refreshments, created the program and served as both photographers and videographers for the ceremony.