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Rockland BOCES Capital Project Referendum on March 6th

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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 [email protected] 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

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RCC’s Food Enthusiast Classes Start Soon

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Enjoy a fun evening with great food & good company. Learn to cook something new and take home what you make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, their classes offer something for everyone. All food, equipment, and supplies are provided, and attendees will have the option to taste the food on-site or take home a portion of each recipe. 

OKTOBERFEST (BYOBeer) Wednesday October 2, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

FALL SUGAR & SPICE WITH A HALLOWEEN TREAT Wednesday October 16, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

KNIFE SKILLS & BUTCHERING FOR YOUR MEAL Wednesday November 6, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING Thursday November 21, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

ASIAN APPETIZERS Wednesday December 4, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

HOLIDAY SEASONAL SHOWSTOPPER Wednesday December 18, 2024 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 

Additional Information: The maximum class size is 20 with 10 cooking stations. Snacks are provided upon your arrival. All classes cost $70 per person. You can register at  on line at RCC food enthusiast program or you can contact: Mark Davidoff, [email protected] or 845-875-7571 Classes are held at 70 Main Street Nyack, NY 10960

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Do You Have An Interest In History And Would Like To Volunteer? Camp Shanks Museum Wants You!

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The Camp Shanks Museum commemorates the military facility that served as the largest point of embarkation for soldiers headed for the front lines in North Africa and Europe during World War II, including the landing forces for the D-Day invasion. Opened in 1942, Camp Shanks contained 1,500 barracks, mess halls, theaters, a hospital, and other buildings where some 1.5 million G.I.s (approximately 40,000 a month) were issued combat equipment and underwent final inspections before shipping overseas. Most soldiers spent eight to 12 days at the self-supporting complex dubbed “Last Stop, U.S.A.” Located in a simulated barracks, the museum contains artifacts and photographs that recount the history of Camp Shanks and describe the everyday life of male and female soldiers at the facility. A Wall of Honor lists servicemen and women who spent time there. 

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