Community

Rockland BOCES Capital Project Referendum on March 6th

Published

3 years ago

February 12, 2024

WEST NYACK, NY – On March 6, 2024, voters in Rockland County will be asked to approve the construction of a new, 52,000 square foot, two-story building to support current and future growth of Rockland BOCES Career and Technical Education and STEM programs in West Nyack. The new construction will also allow for additional classroom space in our renowned Jesse J. Kaplan School for students with exceptional needs.

On November 15, 2023, the Rockland BOCES Board of Education unanimously approved the proposal of a bond program for the March 6 ballot. The proposition will authorize capital work to construct additional space for student programs and operations, including:

The addition of four, large classrooms in the Jesse J. Kaplan School following relocation of the existing Culinary Arts facility
One commercial and one standard kitchen for the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) Culinary Arts program
Two specialized Culinary Arts classrooms
15 STEM classrooms (11,300 square feet) for continued growth of Hudson Valley P-TECH (Early College High School)
Cafeteria: approximately 5,000 square feet with storage area for tables and chairs
A regulation-size gymnasium/basketball court and fitness area

“Simply put, Rockland BOCES is running out of space,” said Rockland BOCES District Superintendent Christopher D’Ambrese. “Enrollment in our Special Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Early College High School (P-TECH) programs continues to soar. There are student waiting lists today and enrollment in our programs is expected to increase nearly 20% in the next decade. In order to meet the increasing needs of our local school districts, we must expand,” said D’Ambrese.

The $47.9 million project cost, which will be paid over a 25-year period, will be shared by the eight component districts that make up the Rockland BOCES Supervisory District. Each school district’s share of the cost is determined by the number of students that reside in that particular district compared to the other component school districts. This is referred to as Resident Weighted Average Daily Attendance (RWADA). The average cost to a Rockland County residential property per month will be $2.36. (Average based on a property assessment of $500,000)

The construction will be financed by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and will be offset by a portion of Rockland BOCES current capital budget. A significant portion of the project – between 50% and 70% – will qualify for State Aid at the local school district’s aid ratio.

Rockland BOCES currently spends more than $1.5 million annually on leases for rented classroom space in four locations: the former Tappan Zee Elementary School in Piermont, the former Gerald F. Neary Elementary School in Haverstraw and the former Hilltop School and the former Nyack High School in Nyack. Adding learning space to our West Nyack campus will eliminate leasing costs, help to consolidate programming and staff, reduce transportation costs and build equity and long-term wealth for the agency.

Work would start in Spring 2026 (pending NYSED approval) and would be completed in phases with an expected opening in the Fall of 2027. KSQ Design has been contracted by Rockland BOCES to oversee design and construction of the capital project.

Because the “Building For Excellence” project involves a new structure on the agency’s main campus in West Nyack, it is required that the community approve the project via a referendum.

Voters cast their ballot on March 6, 2024 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Rockland BOCES Jesse J. Kaplan School, 65 Parrott Road, West Nyack, New York 10994. Anyone 18 or older who is a United States citizen living in Rockland County for at least 30 days preceding the vote date is eligible to vote.

Voters who wish to vote by absentee ballot because of disability, illness or travel must first request a ballot application. To request an absentee ballot application, contact the Rockland BOCES District Clerk at (845) 627-4702 or via email at esussman@rboces.org by February 28, 2024. Once your application is received, an absentee ballot will be mailed to you. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to Rockland BOCES District Clerk by March 6 at 5 p.m.

Photo by Rockland Boces

Community

Milla News: Rockland County’s Unofficial Mayor

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Milla News has become one of Rockland County’s most recognizable social media personalities, earning a loyal following of more than 40,000 people on Instagram and building a reputation for making local news engaging for audiences of all ages.

Affectionately known as the “unofficial Mayor of Rockland County,” Milla has found a unique way to connect residents with the people, places and stories that shape their community.

Beyond his growing presence on social media, Milla is a co-owner of New York Is a Nationality, a popular clothing brand that celebrates New York identity and culture.

A graduate of Ramapo High School, Milla is also focused on giving back to the community that helped shape him. Through his work with local high school students, he shares insights into building a brand, using social media effectively and developing entrepreneurial skills.

By combining local news, social media and mentorship, Milla is helping inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs while bringing Rockland County residents together through stories that reflect their community.

Community

Family Emergency Preparedness: Is Your Family Ready?

Published

4 days ago

October 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime: Is Your Family Prepared?

Emergencies rarely happen when it is convenient. A severe storm, extended power outage, house fire, medical emergency or other unexpected event can quickly disrupt everyday life. Taking a little time now to prepare can make a major difference when something goes wrong.

Here are some simple steps every household should consider.

Build an Emergency Kit

Keep basic supplies in a place that is easy to access. Your kit should include:

Bottled water and several days of nonperishable food
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
First-aid supplies
Necessary medications and medical supplies
Phone chargers and backup power banks
Blankets and warm clothing
Copies of important documents
Cash in small denominations
Basic tools and household supplies

Remember to check your supplies periodically and replace expired food, batteries and medications.

Have a Plan for Power Outages

Winter storms, high winds and equipment failures can leave homes without electricity for hours or even days. Know where your flashlights are, keep devices charged and have alternative ways to stay warm.

If you use a generator, never operate it inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. Generators must be kept outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents because of the risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Know What to Do in a House Fire

Make sure everyone in your household knows two ways to get out of every bedroom and where to meet outside.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace batteries as recommended. If a fire occurs, get outside and stay outside. Do not go back inside for pets or belongings.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, flooding and winter storms can develop quickly. Keep an eye on weather alerts and know where you would go in your home if you need to shelter.

During a severe storm, bring outdoor furniture and other loose objects inside when possible. Avoid driving through flooded roads — even a relatively small amount of moving water can be dangerous.

Be Ready for a Medical Emergency

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home and learn basic first aid and CPR if you can.

Make sure family members know where important medications are located and have a list of medications, allergies and emergency contacts readily available. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Make a Family Communication Plan

If an emergency separates family members, everyone should know how to reconnect.

Choose an emergency contact outside your immediate area and establish a meeting place. Make sure children know their full name, address and how to call 911.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Pets need an emergency plan, too. Keep food, water, medications, leashes, carriers and copies of veterinary records with your emergency supplies. Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels before an emergency occurs.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Save Precious Time

You do not have to prepare everything at once. Start with a basic emergency kit, make a family communication plan and learn what emergencies are most likely in your area.

The goal isn’t to expect the worst. It’s to be ready so that, when an emergency does happen, you can focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.