Connect with us

Community

Rockland BOCES Capital Project Referendum on March 6th

Published

2 years ago

on

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

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Community

D-Day Remembrance Day: Honoring the Allied Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944

Published

3 days ago

on

June 6, 2026

By

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched D-Day (Normandy landings), part of Operation Overlord — the massive amphibious assault on Nazi-occupied France along the beaches of Normandy.

It became one of the largest and most consequential military operations of World War II, involving thousands of ships, aircraft, and ground troops from multiple Allied nations. The landings took place across five beaches — Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword — in a coordinated effort that would shape the course of the war in Europe.

The operation marked a decisive turning point, eventually leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The fighting on D-Day came at a tremendous cost, with thousands of soldiers killed or wounded on the first day alone.

Today, D-Day is remembered not only as a major military milestone, but as a moment defined by extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and unity among ordinary people called to an extraordinary mission.

                       We honor and remember those who never made it home.

Continue Reading

Community

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Scams | Senior Fraud Prevention Tips

Published

4 days ago

on

June 6, 2026

By

Scammers often target older adults by pretending to be family members, government agencies, banks, healthcare providers, or technical support representatives. Their goal is to create panic, gain trust, and convince victims to send money or provide personal information.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

• Grandparent scams involving fake emergencies and urgent requests for money

• Tech support scams claiming your computer has a virus or security problem

• Fake IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or law enforcement calls

• Lottery and sweepstakes scams promising prizes in exchange for fees

• Romance scams through social media, dating websites, and messaging apps

• Bank fraud and account compromise scams

• Investment and cryptocurrency scams promising guaranteed returns

Protect Yourself

✅ Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to someone you do not know or have not verified.

✅ Verify any urgent request by contacting a trusted family member, friend, or organization directly using a known phone number.

✅ Never provide personal, banking, Medicare, or Social Security information over the phone unless you initiated the contact and trust the recipient.

✅ Be cautious of callers who pressure you to act immediately, threaten consequences, or demand secrecy.

✅ Legitimate government agencies, financial institutions, and law enforcement organizations generally do not demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or other unconventional payment methods.

✅ If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

📞 Hang up the phone or end the communication.

🛑 Stop responding to calls, texts, emails, or messages from the suspected scammer.

👨‍👩‍👧 Contact a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver.

📋 Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency, financial institution, or the appropriate consumer protection authorities.

Working together, we can help protect our community from fraud and scams. Stay informed, stay alert, and share this information with family, friends, and neighbors.

Continue Reading

Trending