Residents to Vote on Dutchess BOCES Capital Project on December 11

Residents to Vote on Dutchess BOCES Capital Project on December 11

Proposal Consolidates Campuses, Improves Security & Updates Learning Spaces

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY– On December 11, Dutchess County residents will vote on a $36.8 million capital project designed to consolidate Dutchess BOCES’ K-12 programs to one campus, improve security, address ADA compliance,and enhance facilities in support of high-quality instruction.

The vote will be from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11th. “If approved, this will be the first major capital project for BOCES in 50 years,” said BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Richard Hooley. “Improvements are necessary to support our mission of preparing career and college ready students and skilled workers for our community.

The proposal takes advantage of low interest rates and will enable us to enhance programs, to explore new offerings, and to serve more county residents.” Each of the county’s 13 school districts will host a polling site. A poll will also be open at the Dutchess BOCES Administration Building at 5 BOCES Road in Poughkeepsie. Residents do not have to vote in their home school district; they may vote at the most convenient site.

Informational presentations were given throughout the county and at Board of Education meetings in all Dutchess County districts. The project is estimated to cost homeowners between $6 and $14 per year based on an average home value of $275,000.

The project is eligible for $24.6 million in state aid. “The bottom line is BOCES students are first and foremost the students of all Dutchess County school districts,” said Dr. Hooley. “BOCES works in partnership with districts to provide what their students need, whether it be special education instruction and support services, customized academic programs for high school students facing challenges to help them graduate, or top-notch career and technical training.”

In addition to remedying deficiencies in the buildings, the project will reconfigure and update classroom and lab space, creating flexible learning areas that can adjust as programming changes and grows. “Career and technical training has evolved significantly from what many remember,” said Dr. Hooley. “While there are still important offerings that lead directly to careers like cosmetology and welding, there are many programs that focus on areas associated with college degrees. Classes are rigorous and serve as roads to additional study.”

For the polling sites, and more details about the project, please visit http://www.dcboces.org/capitalproject.

• Arlington school district central office at 144 Todd Hill Road, Lagrangeville.
• Beacon school district central office at 10 Education Drive.

• Dover High School district office entrance at 2368 state Route 22, Dover Plains.

• Dutchess BOCES Administration Building, at 5 BOCES Road, Poughkeepsie.

• Hyde Park Elementary School at 4327 Albany Post Road.

• Millbrook Middle School, at 43 Alden Place, Millbrook.

Author: Harlem Valley News