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.