A significant educational development is on the horizon for Rockland County as BOCES unveils a $46.7 million capital project aimed at enhancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) along with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The proposal is set to be decided by public referendum on March 6th, 2024.
At the heart of the project is the construction of a new 52,000-square-foot, two-story building designed to accommodate the growing enrollment and expanding needs of CTE and STEM education in the region. The facility will feature state-of-the-art culinary arts commercial kitchens and classroom spaces, fifteen dedicated STEM classrooms, as well as a new cafeteria and gymnasium, marking a significant upgrade to the current educational infrastructure.
Officials at BOCES have highlighted the pressing need for additional space to support the upward trajectory of program enrollments, emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with the evolving demands of modern education and workforce development.
The funding mechanism for this ambitious project translates to an average cost of $2.36 per property per month, with calculations based on a property assessment of $500,000. This approach aims to distribute the financial responsibility evenly across the community, ensuring that the benefits of enhanced educational facilities are accessible to all.
Eligibility to vote on this proposal extends to Rockland County residents aged 18 and over. The referendum will take place at the Rockland BOCES Jesse J. Kaplan School, located at 65 Parrott Road in West Nyack, with polls open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Building 9.
Should the community endorse the project, BOCES officials plan to initiate construction in the spring of 2026, with a completion target set for the fall of 2027.