Construction of a $47.9 million project by Rockland BOCES has gotten underway on its West Nyack campus at 65 Parrott Road. The project includes construction of a new two-story building and the creation of additional classroom space at the existing Jesse J. Kaplan School.
The plans call for four new classrooms to be outfitted at the Kaplan School following relocation of the existing Culinary Arts facility. The new 52,000 square foot building would be to support the current and future growth of BOCES’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM programs in West Nyack. In addition to state funds from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), funding is to be provided by the eight school districts that are involved in Rockland BOCES.
The Dormitory Authority issued $45,640,000 in bonds for the project.
Rockland BOCES Superintendent Chris D’Ambrese said, “As an educational services agency that exists to support our component school districts, this financing enables Rockland BOCES to dramatically modernize and enhance educational opportunities for our school community. The bond proceeds reflect our ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our learners with new facilities designed to expand access to our highly specialized programs and services. We greatly value DASNY’s partnership and support for the long-term growth of Rockland BOCES.”
The new building would house a commercial kitchen and a standard kitchen for the Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) Culinary Arts program along with two specialized Culinary Arts classrooms. There would be 15 STEM classrooms for continued growth of BOCES’ Hudson Valley P-TECH programs. The new building would have a 4,500-square-feet cafeteria with a storage area for tables and chairs. There also would be a 7,500-square-feet gymnasium with basketball courts and a fitness area.
According to BOCES, its Hudson Valley P-TECH program has seen dramatic growth. It has been housed in the former Tappan Zee Elementary School since its launch. BOCES said that the construction of the new classrooms will allow program growth via learning space expansion and enhancement.
The four new classrooms at the Kaplan School would help meet a growing demand from local school districts for services for students with special needs. BOCES educates students ages 5 to 22 with autism, cognitive and other disabilities and various medical issues.
Robert Rodriguez, president of the Dormitory Authority said, “It’s our mission to build the future one project at a time, one community at a time. Through our partnership with Rockland BOCES we’re helping to deliver an amazing educational environment where students can gain the hands-on experience that translates directly to their meaningful careers. So, together we’re building not just a facility. We’re growing this community and we’re thrilled that we’re able to support this project.”
