With students back on campus and mild autumn weather on our side, construction across all sites is progressing smoothly. Administrators, construction management teams, and work crews are all working diligently to minimize disruption to school routines and ensure that our campuses  remain safe, secure, and fully operational while the voter-approved capital project continues.

Here’s the status of the project’s major components:

Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

In the 22,000 square foot North Wing, the punch list is down to a handful of final items.

Arden Hill Gymnasium | Topping Off Celebrated

The Arden Hill Gymnasium celebrated  a major milestone Nov. 25 with a topping-off ceremony, marking the completion of the structural steel frame. Crews are now sealing the roof against water and the elements, with that phase to be completed before the end of the month, paving the way for interior work to begin.

The topping-off event included the placement of the final beam by ironworkers, bedecked with an American flag and the traditional evergreen.

The project remains on schedule, and the gymnasium is on track to welcome students by Summer 2026.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Education Center

Interior upgrades at the Axelrod Education Center on Gibson Road are continuing smoothly, with much of the work scheduled outside of school hours to minimize disruption to the education program.

Key improvements underway this month include:

Security Entrance

• Fully enclosed.  Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is underway.
• Complete and online by March 1
• Designed to enhance student safety and provide weather protection during arrival and dismissal, this space will create a welcoming and secure main entrance.

Interior 

Zone 2 and Zone 3

• Eleven total classroom, offices and nurses offices
• Ready for staff and students within weeks

Zone 4 and Zone 5

• Turnover expected mid-January

Zone 6 and Zone 7

• Turnover expected late March

Amy Bull Crist Campus | CTE

At the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building, the capital project plans include transformative upgrades that will dramatically enhance student experience and career readiness.

Bids will be issued in two phases. Phase 1 is on the street; those bids will be opened in December.

With students back on campus and mild autumn weather on our side, construction across all sites is progressing smoothly. Administrators, construction management teams, and work crews are all working diligently to minimize disruption to school routines and ensure that our campuses  remain safe, secure, and fully operational while the voter-approved capital project continues.

Here’s the status of the project’s major components:

Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

In the 22,000 square foot North Wing, the punch list is down to a handful of final items. Landscaping in the courtyard by the learning stairway is being completed, and technology tweaks are wrapping up.

Arden Hill Gymnasium | Iron Rising

At the new gymnasium on the Arden Hill campus, construction has advanced significantly. Ironworkers are now building its frame, giving visible shape to what will be a Arden Hill's physical education space.

The connector hallway, which will link the gym to the main Arden Hill building and enable students and staff to move between the gym and the main building in all weather, is nearly complete.

Once framed and enclosed, interior work will continue throughout the year, with the gym on track to welcome students by summer 2026.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Education Center

Interior upgrades at the Axelrod Education Center on Gibson Road are continuing smoothly, with much of the work scheduled outside of school hours to minimize disruption to the education program.

Key improvements underway this month include:

• Ventilation and UV systems to enhance indoor air quality
• Energy-efficient lighting to reduce environmental impact and cost
• Plumbing and electrical upgrades to modernize core systems

Axelrod Entrance | Security and Shelter

Construction is gaining momentum on the new secure entrance in front of Axelrod. Designed to enhance student safety and provide weather protection during arrival and dismissal, this space will create a welcoming and secure main entrance. This new space is on track to be completed before the end of the current school year.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | CTE

At the Career and Technical Education (CTE) building, the capital project plans include transformative upgrades that will dramatically enhance student experience and career readiness. The first step - the bidding process - is set to begin later this month, launching a new phase in this critical modernization effort.

As we move into the fall, construction across the OUB campuses continues to progress on schedule. 

The overall capital project remains slightly under budget, the result of careful planning and oversight. As construction continues through the school year, administration, the design team, and construction manager are working closely to:

• Minimize disruption to the educational program
• Ensure the safety of students, staff, and contractors
• Control noise, dust, and other construction-related impacts

Meanwhile, in light of economic fluctuations, we continue to carefully manage project finances by monitoring tariffs, material costs, and supply chain availability and maintaining flexibility to ensure priority items are addressed within budget.

Here’s the status of the project’s major components:

Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

OUB proudly held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 4 to celebrate the opening of the newly completed Arden Hill North Wing, a final step in transforming the former hospital into a modern educational facility designed to support student success well into the future.

Members of the OUB Cooperative Board were joined by special guests, including Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, and numerous local school district superintendents and administrators to commemorate this important milestone. 

Also in attendance were Linda Bull, Cherie Cardone and Lyle Shute, descendants of Amy Bull Crist, a local icon and fierce champion of public education. She helped found Orange-Ulster BOCES, SUNY Orange and Occupations, Inc., then served as the first OUB district superintendent for 34 years. She passed away in 1995, and the OUB Gibson Road campus is named in her honor.

“I attribute everything we do to Amy Bull Crist,” said Deborah McBride Heppes, OUB Chief Operating Officer. “Amy was way ahead of her time, and she would always do what’s best for her students.”

The North Wing was ready to welcome students in time for the first day of school. The 22,000-square-foot wing boasts:

• 16 state-of-the-art classrooms
• Collaborative learning spaces
• An enclosed courtyard with tiered Learning Steps
• Expanded areas for essential student services
• Full renovations of interiors spaces, including ceilings, paint, flooring, and bathrooms

Arden Hill Campus | Gymnasium

Construction of the gym is advancing steadily. The structural steel framing is expected to be completed by \ the end of October. Once framed, the project will transition to enclosure and interior work through the fall and winter months.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Education Center

Significant progress has been made on Gibson Road at the Axelrod Center, including:

• Interior renovations
• Roof replacement
• Foundations and structural steel for the new addition
• Asbestos abatement on the roof and first floor; remaining abatement is scheduled for Summer 2026 and Summer 2027.

A significant portion of the materials for the next phase of construction has been procured and is either on site or in storage, ready for use.

As the current school year continues, interior renovations and HVAC system upgrades will take place during the second shift, outside of school hours. This will minimize disruption to students and staff.

The new addition at Axelrod is on track to be completed by January 2026.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | CTE

Work at Career and Technical Education Center is expected to be released for bid in October. Construction is expected to break ground Spring 2026.

The project includes HVAC improvements that will enhance thermal comfort and indoor air quality for all occupants. The CTE facilities will be fully renovated, featuring restored classrooms, a new entrance with enhanced security, and a specialized wing designed to support innovative learning with a film studio, electrical labs, an aeronautics simulator, and a versatile assembly space.

Late Summer Means Big Strides 

This summer has brought exciting progress across all OUB campuses, with major construction milestones reached and building upgrades moving steadily forward.

This work is all part of the taxpayer-approved OUB Capital Project, designed to ensure that OUB will continue to meet the evolving needs of students and the community for years to come.

Here’s how the OUB Capital Project is progressing

Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

North Wing construction remains on track to welcome students this fall. The elevator has been installed, inspected and is in service. Desks, smartboards, and other furnishings and supplies  have been delivered, and spaces are being readied to welcome students on the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

Garden landscaping and tree planting are scheduled for late September, which is the optimal planting season for our region. This timing ensures healthy growth and long-term success of the plantings. These additions will further enhance the outdoor Learning Stairs and courtyard areas, creating an inviting and enriching environment for students and staff.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and private tours will take place Thursday, Sept. 4 to celebrate the completion of this phase of the Capital Project, which has seen the continuation of the transformation of an old hospital into an educational center.

Arden Hill Campus | Gymnasium

At the gymnasium site, crews are currently setting the foundation and the structure’s frame will begin to rise in weeks ahead.

Additionally, crews will soon break through the exterior brick wall of the nearby Arden Hill main building, making way for the construction of a corridor connecting the main building to the gym. The corridor will allow students and staff to move safely and comfortably between the two spaces without going outdoors.

The gymnasium also includes generous space for outdoor athletics and other activities. Planned features include basketball courts, a half soccer field, and ample parking for staff and visitors.

The gymnasium remains on schedule for completion by Summer 2026.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Education Center

At the Axelrod Education Center on Gibson Road, Phase One (replacement of the main roof0 and Phase Two (replacement of the roof over the building’s 1989 addition) were both completed this month. Phase Two had initially been scheduled for Summer 2026, but the project team accelerated the work schedule as a strategy against inflation and possible supply chain interruptions. As a result, the entire building has a much-needed new roof for the first time in decades.

On the ground, concrete has been poured for the central courtyard and the new single-point-of-entry security entrance. Ironworkers are building the frame for the security entrance and expect to wrap up their work well before Labor Day.

Throughout the summer, construction teams have worked in multiple shifts to upgrade and refurbish classrooms, an initiative that will continue for about three years until all classrooms have been upgraded. In all, classroom upgrades and refurbishments - which include everything from HVAC systems ceiling tile replacements to fresh paint and flooring - have been choreographed to take place in a series of phases, designed to accommodate class scheduling.

Axelrod teachers will soon begin preparing their classrooms for the return of students. Many had relocated their classrooms to Presidential Park Elementary School in Middletown, which hosted OUB summer programs and hundreds of students while construction on OUB campuses continued. Others had packed up their classroom items back in June to be stored offsite, making way for the summer work crews.

Construction work at Axelrod will continue during the school year, with work scheduled so it does not interfere with class time.

What's Next

Looking ahead, the next major phase of construction will focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) on the Amy Bull Crist Campus. The bidding process for the CTE building project will begin this fall, marking another step forward in expanding and modernizing OUB’s facilities to better support student learning and career readiness.

The project includes HVAC improvements that will enhance thermal comfort and indoor air quality for all occupants. The CTE facilities will be fully renovated, featuring restored classrooms, a new entrance with enhanced security, and a specialized wing designed to support innovative learning with a film studio, electrical labs, an aeronautics simulator, and a versatile assembly space.

Summer Construction Gaining Ground

With many students on summer break and others attending Presidential Park Elementary in Middletown - which is serving as OUB’s temporary site for summer school programs - contractors are making significant strides. From interior updates to major structural builds, OUB’s two main campuses are alive with activity.

This work is part of a taxpayer-approved OUB Capital Project, designed to ensure that OUB will continue to meet the evolving needs of students and the community for years to come.

Arden Hill Campus | Third Floor

A fully renovated third floor welcomed students on Sept. 4, 2024.

Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

Classrooms Nearing Completion

In the North Wing of the Amy Bull Crist Campus at Arden Hill, classrooms are taking shape as final finishes are installed in preparation for students' return in September. The new elevator is fully operational, and the distinctive outdoor learning stairs are nearly complete. Once fall arrives - a more suitable season for planting - landscaping work will begin to enhance the surrounding grounds. Arden Hill remains on track to welcome students in September 2025.

Arden Hill Campus | Gymnasium

Footings Complete, Steel Coming Soon

At the Arden Hill Gymnasium site, footings are in place and concrete walls are formed and ready for concrete, marking a major initial milestone. Soon the steel structure will begin to rise, giving shape to this exciting new space. The gym is on schedule to be completed by next summer, when, for the first time, Arden Hill’s students will have a true gym for physical education and activities.

Students dug the first ceremonial scoops of soil as Orange-Ulster BOCES broke ground on a new gymnasium. Now officially under construction on the OUB campus at Arden Hill, the gym is a key element of the voter-approved initiative designed to modernize, expand and repair educational facilities across OUB’s two main campuses.

The ground breaking, held Monday, June 23 on the job site, was attended by educational, construction, athletic, organized labor union and community leaders, as well as special guests Robert J. Rodriguez, President of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY); Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, and retired OUB Chief Operating Officer William Hecht, who was at the OUB helm in 2021 when the capital project was first pitched to the OUB Board of Cooperative Education.

“Mr. Hecht and (and administrators) met with the Board during a retreat to present the idea of undertaking up to a $160 million project,” said OUB Assistant Superintendent Mark Coleman, who is overseeing much of the capital project. “(Board President Eugenia Pavek) looked around the room and said, ‘We’re doing all of it .. we have one opportunity to get this right. We need to be all in’.”

With the Board resolved to move forward, the next steps required careful planning and coordination. The Board and OUB administration had to outline the scope of the work, determine costs, and ensure the project aligned with the long-term needs of students and staff. Just as critically, they needed to build support among component school districts and voters.

Reflecting on the significance of the project, DASNY president Robert Rodriguez said, “We believe that smart investments in public infrastructure - like this one - are what help communities to thrive, so I just want to say to the educators, the administrators, the DASNY members, our project partners and especially to the students, thank you for your vision.”

DASNY provides financing, construction, and facilities management services  and helps public and nonprofit institutions complete major capital projects by offering expertise and financial support.

Rodriguez added, “Let’s break some ground and build a future full of possibility.”

Also there to celebrate were family members of Amy Bull Crist, a local icon and beloved champion of public education for whom the OUB campus on Gibson Road is named. Mrs. Bull Crist, who died in 1995, was the first district superintendent of OUB, a post she held for 34 years.

“We turned a hospital into a school,” said OUB Chief Executive Officer Deborah McBride Heppes, noting that while the project includes dramatic renovations, the gym is the only new construction and her first groundbreaking.

“Just look where we are,” said Heppes. “I know Amy would be proud.”

Capital Project  progress

Arden Hill | Third Floor

• A fully renovated third floor welcomed students on Sept. 4, 2024.

Arden Hill | North Wing

• With the new roof and improvements to essential building systems complete, interior improvements continue at a steady pace.
• Fresh paint, new tile, carpeting, and updated finishes are transforming spaces into modern, inviting classrooms.
• The outdoor Learning Stairs are nearing completion, and landscaping is underway, and the elevator and skylight are ready for installation.
• Ready for students in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Arden Hill | New Gymnasium

• Construction workers broke ground June 23,  2025.
• Anticipated completion by Summer 2026.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | CTE

• NYS Education Dept. approval of plans has cleared the way for Fall 2025 bidding.
• HVAC upgrades will enhance thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
• CTE will be fully updated with restored classrooms, a new security entrance, and a specialty wing featuring a film studio, electrical labs, an aeronautics simulator, and multipurpose assembly space.

Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Education Building

• With demolition of the old entrance complete the new, more secure single point of entry is taking shape.
• Concrete, pipe and drainage work is advancing.
• Renovations are focused on Special Education programming and services.
• Improved building systems and modernized interior spaces will ensure that Axelrod will meet the growing needs of our students and the community.

Capital Improvement Program Update
MAY 2025

With winter behind us and the construction season in full swing, the voter-approved OUB capital project continues to take shape, with visible progress across the project’s multiple sites. The momentum reflects the continued commitment to delivering improved facilities, on schedule, that support the needs of students and the broader campus community.

As reported to the  OUB Cooperative Board at this month’s board meeting, the capital project - like virtually all construction projects in the nation - is experiencing some budget overages due to unpredictable and unprecedented volatility in construction costs. In response, adjustments have been made, safeguarding the overall integrity and scope of the project. As part of broader efforts to preserve the budget and prioritize essential updates, renovations, and the expansion of student spaces, plans to convert the old medical building on the Arden Hill campus into administrative offices have been placed on hold for the time being.

Here’s a look at recent milestones and key developments in the project’s progress.

Phase 6
Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Building

• The old entrance has been fully demolished
• Pipe and drainage work is underway
• Concrete work is on track to be completed by the end of May

With demolition complete the new, more secure single point of entry will soon take shape.

This summer, the Extended School Year Program usually held at Axelrod will be temporarily  relocated to our Arden Hill Campus, the Career and Technical Education Center on Gibson Road, and Presidential Park Elementary School in Middletown.  

Phase 3
Arden Hill Campus | North Wing Construction

Interior improvements continue across the North Wing at a steady pace, while the courtyard and exterior Learning Stairs are progressing and will be enhanced with fresh landscaping. Progress includes:

• Hallways and bathrooms are being tiled
• Classroom carpeting is being installed
• Construction of the learning stairs is progressing
• Plantings and landscaping are underway around the new learning stairs
• The elevator and new pyramid-shaped skylight have arrived and will soon be put in place
• The North Wing is on track to welcome students for OUB summer programs

Arden Hill remains on schedule to welcome students for the Orange-Ulster BOCES summer programs.

Phase 7
Arden Hill Campus | New Gymnasium

A new gymnasium is being built at the Arden Hill Campus, with an anticipated completion date of May 2026. The site for the gym has already been cleared, and the site has been fenced to protect students, staff, and visitors during the building process.

When complete, the gym will serve as a cornerstone for student wellness, OUB pride, and community connection. 

Capital Improvement Program Update | 
april 2025

Phase 3
Arden Hill Campus | North Wing

Contractors are busy taping and painting at the Arden Hill Campus North Wing, and tiling will be next. Ceilings and floors are also set for installation in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, classrooms have been prepped for smart boards, which were delivered recently and will be installed when flooring is complete. 

Classroom doors have arrived and are being painted, and window installation is beginning this month. 

The elevator and new, pyramid shaped skylight are on track for installation by summer.

Roof replacement is complete, and rooftop HVAC units are in place.

The North Wing will be ready to host students for the Summer 2025 Extended School Year, which is usually held at the Emanuel Axelrod Special Education Center on OUB’s Amy Bull Crist Campus on Gibson Road, where construction will begin this summer. Summer program students will also attend summer programming at the CTE building and Presidential Park Elementary School in Middletown.

Phase 6
Amy Bull Crist Campus | Axelrod Building

Construction and renovations -  includes safety enhancements and the creation of enhanced space for special education programs - began over the April Spring Break. Work is expected to continue through 2027. 

First on the schedule is the demolition of the current entrance to make way for construction of a new single-point-of-entry security  vestibule. This initial construction will not affect space currently used by students or staff and it won’t disrupt our educational program. However, we will be relocating the arrival and dismissal points for the rest of the school year to ensure everyone’s safety during construction. 
 

Extra safety measures will be put in place as construction continues through the summer and into the 2025-2026 school year. For example, construction areas will be separate from student spaces, contractors will use their own entrance, and we’re adding security staff to monitor the project space. Our contractors have extensive experience working in schools, and we’re confident in their ability to keep things running smoothly.

This summer, the Extended School Year Program usually held at Axelrod will be temporarily  relocated to our Arden Hill Campus, the Career and Technical Education Center on Gibson Road, and Presidential Park Elementary School in Middletown.

Phase 7
Arden Hill Campus | Gymnasium

The site, located behind Arden Hill, has been cleared and prepped for the next phase of construction. A safety fence now surrounds the site.

Bids for the gymnasium were awarded in early April and work will begin this summer. Construction is estimated to take about a year.

Capital Improvement Program Update
March 2025

Phase 3
Arden Hill Campus North Wing

Construction at Arden Hill Campus’ North Wing remains on track, and the space will be ready to welcome students and staff by July 2025.

Sheetrocking is wrapping up, and windows will be installed in April. Ceilings, then floors, will come next.

The elevator shaft is built, and the elevator itself is expected to be installed by Memorial Day. 

On the roof, which is being completely replaced, workers are prepping for the installation of the new skylight.

Phase 6
Axelrod Building | Amy Bull Crist Campus

We’re readying for initial construction of the new entrance and security vestibule, which will not affect currently occupied space. Meanwhile, we’re preparing for construction activity at the campus and fine-tuning plans to ensure minimal impacts to our educational program.

Renovations and updates at Axelrod include added support space for special education.

As construction at Axelrod continues, the Summer 2025 Extended School Year program for will be hosted at:

• The Regional Education Center at Arden Hill
• Career and Technical Education Center at the Amy Bull Crist Education Center
• Presidential Park Elementary School, Middletown

Phase 7
Arden Hill Campus Gymnasium

The site has been cleared and prepped for the next phase of construction, which is scheduled to begin this summer.

Bids for the gymnasium were opened Feb. 27 and are under review.  We continue to closely monitor the project’s budget with an eye on the continued rising cost of materials and the unknown impact of tariffs. 

Next Steps

We have received our final building permit for Phase 5/Career and Technical Education Center on the Amy Bull Crist Campus. This project is set to be released for bidding in Fall 2025. 

The process of closing on the remainder of our financing through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will commence immediately, with closing expected in May 2025.   

Capital Improvement Program Update
February 2025

Phase 3 | Arden Hill North Wing

Construction continues to advance at Arden Hill, with sheetrocking about 90 percent complete on the lower level and 30 percent complete upstairs. Floor leveling - which creates a smooth and level base and ensures that new flooring lasts longer and maintains its appearance - has also begun.

Other progress includes:

• HVAC: Installed on both floors
• Hot and chilled water: Connected and tested on both floors
• Domestic water piping: Installed and tested
• Folding partitions: Steel has been installed
• Building Controls: Connections are in progress
• Electrical rough-in: Completed on both levels and inspected by engineer
• New concrete and decking installed at upper level main entrance
• Door frames, lower level: Installation complete
• Door frames, upper level: Installation underway

Phase 6 | Axelrod Building

A kickoff meeting between the OU BOCES Capital Project Team and the contractors and architects was held Tuesday, Feb. 25. The team is working on contracts with vendors, and work is set to begin in March.

At the meeting, the importance of maintaining a construction schedule that minimally impacts our educational programs was stressed. Safety protocols were also a focus of the meeting.  

Initial construction at the Axelrod Building will focus on the new connector at the front of the building, and will not impact currently occupied space.

What About Summer School?

This summer, as construction continues at the Axelrod Building on Gibson Road, the  Extended School Year (ESY) program for Summer 2025 will be hosted at the following locations:

• The Regional Education Center at Arden Hill,  4 Harriman Dr., Goshen
• Career and Technical Education Center at the Amy Bull Crist Education Center, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen
• Presidential Park Elementary School, 50 Roosevelt Ave., Middletown

We thank our partners at the Enlarged City School District of Middletown for making space available at Presidential Park Elementary and are certain our students and staff will benefit from access to these outstanding facilities.

We will continue to keep our families updated as details about the summer session, locations of specific programs, and operating times are determined. 

Next Steps

• Bids for Phase 7/Arden Hill Gymnasium and New Addition, were opened Feb. 27.  We continue to closely monitor the project’s budget and are concerned about the continued rising cost of materials as well as newly instituted tariffs.
• We have received our final building permit for the project, Phase 5/Career and Technical Education Center on the Amy Bull Crist Campus. This project is expected to be released for bidding in Fall 2025. 
• The process of closing on the remainder of our financing through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will commence immediately, with closing expected in May 2025.  

Capital Improvement Program Update
january 2025

Construction on Phase 3 (North Wing) continues at a good pace.  Roof work is substantially complete, even though snow storms continued to plague the crews.  Rooftop HVAC units were placed and duct work, and Fan Coil Units (FCUs) for each classroom have been installed.

Spray on fireproofing work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of January.  Framing on the ground level has been completed, and classrooms are starting to “appear”. 

Rough plumbing and electrical work is underway, and on schedule.

Below is a slideshow of the North Wing Roof Work, placement of HVAC RTUs and retaining wall work.

On January 14, a Special Business Board meeting was held for the purpose of awarding contracts for Phase 6, The Axelrod Education Center project.  This represents the largest portion of the overall Capital Improvement Project thus far.  Bids totaling $34,161,249 were accepted by the Cooperative Board of Education.  Additionally, another $9,744,670 in owner supplied contracts were presented.  These items include the direct purchase of HVAC units and systems such as: Fire Alarm, Lockdown, Access Control and security.  The total project cost of $43,905,889 is under the anticipated budget for this phase.  However, it should be noted that several alternates were bid for this phase, and it was decided not to award the window replacement package for this phase at this time as our team determined that the window price was not in line with market estimates.  The Capital Project team is reviewing possibilities to re-work this alternate, including rebidding a separate package or including it in bids for future work.  If the window package was awarded, the project would have been OVER budget by almost $1 million dollars.

We continue to monitor the project, and are concerned about the budget, as we have been from the beginning. We continue to experience unprecedented cost increases in materials across the board, which has resulted in bids coming in higher than budgets in general.  Our team has been meeting to value engineer the project,  and as a result, we expect that modifications will have to be made to our original plans in order to stay within the voter approved project bond limits.  Our first priority however, is to provide safe and efficient school buildings for our staff and students.  We will continue to move the project forward with this priority as our guiding focus.

At the January 14 special meeting, the Cooperative Board of Education awarded the following contracts:

General Construction
Key Construction Services, LLC
Hyde Park, NY

Hazardous Materials Abatement
Beam Enterprises, Inc
Chester, NY

Roofing Construction
Barrett, Inc
Danbury, CT

Plumbing Construction
Joe Lombardo Plumbing and Heating of Rockland, Inc
Suffern, NY

Mechanical Construction
Joe Lombardo Plumbing and Heating of Rockland, Inc
Suffern, NY

Electrical Construction
ABE Fran, LLC, dba All Bright Electric
West Nyack, NY

Next Steps

• Bids for Phase 7, Arden Hill (Gymnasium new addition) are expected to be released by the end of January.  We are hopeful that bids will come in on budget, but are cautiously watching these numbers in the event changes have to be made to this phase.
• We anticipate the final approval and building permit from NYSED by the end of January, which will mean that all required approvals will be received.  Once this final building permit is issued, we will begin the process to secure the remaining financing, or Series B Bonds, through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).  If the anticipated schedule remains, it is expected that closing on this final phase of financing will take place in May.
• Based on the bids awarded earlier this month, it is anticipated that construction on the Axelrod building will commence in March.  This construction will at first focus on the new connector at the front of the building, and will not impact currently occupied space.

Capital Improvement Program Update
DECember 2024

Construction on Phase 3 (North Wing) continues and significant gains in the plumbing and roof work have been realized. Roofing materials arrived on site in mid-December and work immediately began to install the roof. While roof completion is expected to take several weeks, work continues on the interior of the building, including underground sanitary lines and piping for the various bathroom facilities.

Below is a slideshow of photos of the North Wing Roof and Plumbing Work.

On December 19, bids for the Phase 6 (Axelrod Education Center) were received and opened.  Twenty-One vendors were represented across six separate prime contracts.  Atr this time, the team is evaluating bids and meeting with apparent low bidder to vet their proposals.  It is anticipated that a recommendation for awards will be made at our January 8, 2025, Cooperative Board Meeting.

Next Steps

• We anticipate that the Cooperative Board will award several contracts for Phase 6 of construction (Axelrod Education Center) representing about $40 million in project costs.

• The three remaining phases of the project are still at NYSED Office of Facilities Planning under review and pending permit issuances.  We anticipate another approval over the next month.  Once received, bidding for that phase will begin.

Capital Improvement Program Update
november 2024

Construction on Phase 3 (North Wing), continues with wall framing, roofing and plumbing work underway.  Work on the exterior of the facility also continues, including site work and various underground infrastructure.

As of November 7, 2024, a permit was granted by the New York State Education Department for the Axelrod Education Center renovation (Phase 6).  Bids have been issued, and are due back on December 5.  A pre-bid meeting was held on November 12 at the Axelrod Education center with dozens of interested contractors attending. As this is the largest phase of our project to go out to bid thus far, it was promising to see so many interested contractors.

Internal teams have been established to begin work on the transition that will affect the Axelrod facility beginning in 2025 and likely lasting through 2027.  These teams will focus on how to best handle the required moves of classrooms, students and faculty and how best to accomplish the transition while maintaining minimal disruption to the school environment.

Next Steps

• We are still waiting for several permits to be issued by the New York State Department of Education.  It is expected that over the next several months permits will be issued and bids will be released until each phase is underway.
• We anticipate opening bids for the Phase 6 project on December 5.  Once awards are made, construction will begin during the first half of 2025.

Capital Improvement Program Update
october 2024

Phase 2 has been completed. The removal of Buildings 2 & 3 as they were known, has paved the way to allow for the construction of a new gymnasium and related space at our Regional Education Center at Arden Hill. Please enjoy the time-lapse video of the demolition of Buildings 2 & 3. The video covers a period of approximately 7 weeks.

Time lapse video of Arden Buildings 2 and 3 demolition, excavation and grading.

Phase 3 demolition of the North Wing has been completed, and reconstruction is under way. Contractors in all of the trades for this project have begun their work on site. This project is expected to be completed in the Summer of 2025.

It is anticipated that Phase 6 will be approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and a permit issued by the end of October. Assuming a permit is received by then, we expect to bid this phase of the project and anticipate making a bid award in December. Ground breaking for this project is expected during the Spring of 2025.

Pictures of Buildings 2 & 3 at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill being demolished

Pictures of the North Wing at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill under construction

Next Steps

• We continue to communicate with NYSED regarding the approval of the remainder of our projects.  Approvals will drive bidding and bidding will drive the start of construction.  It is our goal to have most phases under construction during the first half of 2025.
• Bidding for Phase 6 (Axelrod Building) is expected to be underway next month with a goal to make an award in December.

Capital Improvement Program Update
September 2024

Phase 1.  We are excited to announce that on September 4, 2024, we welcomed students to their brand new classrooms on the Third Floor of the Terrence L. Olivo Building at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill.  This phase was completed during the month of August, and while there are several very small “punch list” items to address, the floor is substantially complete and both the New York State Department of Education and our local fire inspector cleared the phase for occupancy.  This floor offers ten new classrooms that are bright, colorful and offer state of the art technology.  The completion of phase one marks a success for the overall project, including all of the professionals involved in the design, construction and oversight of the project.  They include: KG&D Architects, Gerard Associates as Engineers and The Palombo Group as Project Managers.

A view of the brand new third floor at Arden Hill.

A brand new classroom awaits students on the third floor at Arden Hill.

Marguerite A. Flood Program Principal Jennifer Lepore and Assistant Principal Cynthia Brescia take a minute to pose as they inspect a new classroom on the Third Floor at Arden Hill.

OUBOCES Teacher Anne McDermott instructs students in one of the brand new classrooms which opened on September 4 at Arden Hill.

Phase 2. The removal of Buildings 2 & 3 is almost complete, and once all of the debris is removed, site preparation will commence which will pave the way for the construction of a Gymnasium in 2025.  The buildings being removed were wood structures that once housed doctors offices.  These buildings were abandoned and beyond their useful life.

Crews from Butler Construction carefully demo two abandoned buildings on the Arden Hill Campus

Phase 3.  The North Wing continues to be under containment as asbestos is being removed.  While this part of the project is nearing completion, eager contractors await in order to begin the reconstruction phase of the project.  This is expected to begin in early October.

Next Steps

• We are still awaiting approval for the remainder of the Phases from the New York State Department of Education Office of Facilities Planning.  Bidding for the remainder of the phases will begin as the project approvals are received.  We anticipate this process to begin during the months of October or November.

• As we near the approval of the remainder of the phases, we will begin the process to finance the remainder of the project through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).  We are not permitted to begin the financing process until approvals are received from NYSED.  This round of financing will be the second and final phase of the process to finance the project.

Capital Improvement Program Update
August 2024

Phase 1. The Arden Hill Third Floor renovation is nearing completion.  We anticipate welcoming staff and students to their brand new space on September 3!  Ten new classrooms and related support spaces will be available to service our children in the Special Education program.  Pictures included with this update show the space as contractors work expediently to complete the final touches in this space.

Third Floor, Arden Hill, August 2024

Third Floor, Arden Hill, August 2024

Third Floor, Arden Hill, August 2024

Phase 2, the removal of buildings 2 & 3 is expected to begin before the end of August.  These buildings are being removed as they are no longer useful and this space is needed to commence construction of the Gymnasium later next year.

Phase 3, the renovation of the North Wing is under way.  At this time the building has been placed under full containment to allow for the abatement of asbestos construction materials.  Once this process is completed, the building will be completely free of any asbestos containing material.  Build-out of this space is expected to commence near the end of September 2024.

Next Steps

• We continue to await approvals for the larger phases of this capital program by NYSED Office of Facilities Planning.  Review has begun on Phase 6 (Axelrod Building Renovation), so we anticipate approvals for this phase to be next.
   
• We continue to monitor trends in the construction industry that drive costs.  While it appears that costs have leveled off since some of the spikes during the pandemic, we continue to be concerned about the overall budget and the prospect of adjustments that may need to be made based on the actual costs of the project.  Teams from BOCES, our construction management firm and our architect will continue to meet to scour the budget to identify any potential issues.

Capital Improvement Program Update
july 2024

Phase 1, the Arden Hill Third Floor renovation continues to be on track to receive students this September.  Many facets of construction are ongoing, including sheetrock, tile work, painting and ceiling grid installation.  Many trades are on site working to complete their piece of the construction.  We are excited to see the final stages of this work be well underway. (See pictures)

Third Floor - Arden Hill (July 2024)

Phase 2, the removal of Buildings 2 & 3, is in the preparatory stages of demolition as the contractor begins work to completely remove these structures over the next several weeks.  Once the buildings are removed, the site will be prepared to allow for the construction of the new gymnasium which is expected to break ground during the first quarter of 2025.

Phase 3, the renovation of the North Wing has begun.  The building has been secured and is undergoing the removal of hazardous materials (Asbestos containing materials) in order to prepare the space for general construction.  (See picture)
Contracts have been signed for this phase of the construction, and all trades are anxiously awaiting to begin.

View of the North Wing (July 2024)

Next Steps

• Several projects are still under review at the NYSED Office of Facilities Planning.  No new approvals are expected until late Fall of 2024.

• As Phase 1 nears completion, our staff is getting excited about the prospect of housing students in September.  BOCES staff will prepare the space for students, including making sure furniture, supplies and lots of smiles will be ready for them!

Capital Improvement Program Update
june 2024

• Contracts for Phase 2 & 3 were awarded at the BOCES Board of Education meeting on June 13, 2024.

Phase 2, includes the demolition of two structures that once housed doctors offices.  Following the demolition, this contract includes site work that will help prepare the area for the gymnasium addition, which is still awaiting approval at the NYSED Office of Facilities Planning.  This contract was awarded to Butler Construction Group, Inc., of Montgomery, NY.  It is expected that the work for this phase will commence over the next several weeks and be complete by the end of this Summer.

Phase 3, which includes the renovation of the North Wing structure was awarded to multiple prime contractors:

General Construction
Key Construction Services, LLC
Hyde Park, NY

Plumbing
Joe Lombardo Plumbing and Heating of Rockland, Inc.
Suffern, NY

Mechanical
Joe Lombardo Plumbing and Heating of Rockland, Inc.
Suffern, NY

Electrical
Harry F. Rotolo and Sons, Inc.
Middletown, NY

Hazardous Material Abatement
Beam Enterprises, Inc.
Chester, NY

The work on the North Wing is expected to begin in a few weeks, with an anticipated completion date of late Summer 2025.

• On June 20, 2024,  BOCES closed on $14.7 million dollars of bonds through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).  This financing will provide the funding required to initiate and sustain the project as described above.  Additional financing will be secured in early 2025 in order to sustain the remainder of the capital project.

Next Steps

• Several projects are still under review at the NYSED Office of Facilities Planning.  As approvals come in, the project team will release bids and begin to structure schedules that will allow us to continue to operate our programs, while ensuring everyone's safety.

• The project team has been examining the overall project for potential cost savings opportunities.  Phase 1 and 3 have come in over budget, so the team is concerned about future bidding and how it may impact the budget.  The team is committed to providing the best possible product within the confines of the voter approved budget.

• Phase 1 is still on track to house students this September.  We are excited about the progress of the work in this space that contains ten new classrooms for our students!

Capital Improvement Program Update
MAY 2024

• Phase one construction is moving along, with walls framed, HVAC units installed, plumbing and heating feeders installed and sprinkler protection systems underway.

• Bid documents for Phase 3 have been released, and the bids are due to open on May 31.  Bid documents for Phase 2 have been released, and the bids are due to open on June 5.

  Next Steps

• Following a review of the bids that will open May 31 and June 5, it is anticipated that contracts will be awarded for Phase 2 & 3 at the June 14 Board of Education Meeting.  These projects are anticipated to begin this Summer.

Capital Improvement Program Update
APRIL 2024

• Construction on Phase one of the project continues.  Some areas have been framed and fireproofing has been applied to the exposed structure.  Significant progress has been made with the HVAC and Plumbing portion of the buildout.  Electrical work has begun as well.
• The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) has met regarding the financing of the first phase of the project and has authorized the financing to move forward.

Next Steps

• Bid documents for Phase 2 and 3 are nearing completion.  It is anticipated that bids will be released near the end of April with a target for recommendation to the Board of Education at their June meeting.

Capital Improvement Program Update
March 2024

• We have received building permits from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for the demolition portion of Phase 2 and all of Phase 3.

• Construction continues on Phase one of the project, with general construction, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work underway. 

• Based on the approvals received from NYSED, the first of two phases of financing through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will move forward in order to close in June of 2024. 

NEXT STEPS

• It is anticipated that bids will be released during the month of April and awarded at our June Board of Education Meeting for Phase 2 and 3 construction.

Capital Improvement Program Update
february 2024

• Phase 1 construction continues on the third floor at Arden Hill.  Walls that define the various rooms that will be classrooms, bathrooms and related service spaces are beginning to form.  Pictures of some of the progress are included with this update.

• We have been notified that the New York State Education Departments Office of Facilities Planning has initiated review of Phases two and three.  It is anticipated that we will receive approval during the month of March which will allow us to issue bids for this work shortly thereafter. 

• Preliminary plans for Phase 5 have been submitted to NYSED Office of Facilities Planning.

Next Steps

• As Phase one construction continues, we anticipate awarding bids for the work related to phases two and three in the near future.  Along with our Construction Management Team and our Design Team, we will continue to push the project forward to ensure we maximize every opportunity for progress.

Capital Improvement Program Update
December 2023

• Plans and specifications for renovations/additions to the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center have been submitted to the NYSED Office of Facilities Planning for approval.  Currently, the expected time for the issuance of a building permit, per the NYSED website is 18 to 20 weeks.

• We expected phases two and three to be approved and permits issued near the end of December.  Unfortunately, because NYSED Facilities Planning is experiencing a backlog, we do not anticipate receiving these approvals on time.  The original plans and specifications were submitted to NYSED in September of 2023.

• Construction of phase 1 of the project is almost ready to begin.  We are awaiting some paperwork related to the contracts for this phase, and expect construction to begin as soon as contracts are signed.

Next Steps

• Design work continues for all remaining phases that have not yet been submitted to NYSED.

• We anticipate construction to begin as soon as contracts are signed.  While the start date was originally December 2023, it is now likely that construction will begin during the month of January 2024.

Capital Improvement Program Update
November 2023

• On October 20, 2023, a total of seven bids were received and opened for the Phase one project.  O’Connor Company from Aberdeen, NC, was the low bidder and following Contractor Qualification meetings lead by our Construction Management firm, the recommendation was made to accept their offer.  On November 2, 2023, the BOCES Cooperative Board accepted the recommendation and awarded the bid.
   
• O’Connor's total bid price was $3,349,900.00.  The projected budget for this phase was $2,528,988.00.  Based on this result, value engineering* for the remainder of the project has begun.  We anticipated bids to come in over budget based upon recent information related to material cost increases and product availability issues.
• It is anticipated that construction will begin during the month of December and Phase one will be complete and ready for occupancy in September 2024.

Next Steps

• While we await approval and subsequent building permits from the New York State Department of Education for phase two and four, we continue to work on the design of the remaining phases.  Value engineering will continue and market trends will continue to be analyzed and considered.

*Value engineering is a systematic, organized approach to providing necessary functions in a project at the lowest cost. Value engineering promotes the substitution of materials and methods with less expensive alternatives, without sacrificing functionality .

• On October 3, 2023, a pre-bid walkthrough of the Phase 1 project (Arden Third Floor) at Arden Hill was held.  More than 20 interested parties attended the walkthrough.

• Requests for Bids for Phase 1 are due to open on October 20, 2023.  Following a review of the bids, this first project phase is expected to be recommended for award at the BOCES November Board Meeting with construction to begin during the month of December.

• Work on the planning and development of phases 5, 6 and 7 continue to develop with input from various stakeholders including BOCES staff and external stakeholders.

• Review of the design of Phase 4 (Building 1 at Arden Hill) continues. Administrative offices will be consolidated from various locations throughout Goshen in order to provide space for additional classrooms at the Axelrod Building.

Next Steps

• As design work continues, we will use the results of the bids for Phase 1 to review our cost estimates to determine what, if any changes to the design need to be made.  Although supply chains have stabilized somewhat since 2020-2021, there are still concerns over the availability and pricing of mechanical equipment such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

Architectural Renderings

The renderings shown this month display the  preliminary design of the new gymnasium at the Terrence L. Olivo Building at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill.  Since this property was a Hospital, there is no recreational space for the children who attend the programs on this site.  The addition of this space will help to facilitate the required needs of our children as well as offer opportunities for surrounding school districts to utilize the space for their own “overflow events”.

• Orange -Ulster BOCES has signed a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council.  One of the benefits of the PLA is the agreement's “no strike” provision which will guarantee a consistent and reliable workforce throughout the duration of this project.
• The plans for Phase 2 - (site preparation and demolition of small storage buildings at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill) have been submitted to the New York State Education Department for a building permit.
• The plans for Phase 3 - (renovation of the North Wing at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill) have been submitted to the New York State Education Department for a building permit. (renderings included in this update)
• Conceptual design and renderings are being finalized for the Gymnasium addition at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill.
• Project plans for the Emanuel Axelrod Education Center and The Career and Technical Education Center at the Amy Bull Crist Campus and Building 1 at The Regional Education Center at Arden Hill are also being finalized.

Next Steps

• It is expected that plans for the Gymnasium addition and renovations to the Terrence L. Olivo Building (Phase 7) will be submitted to the New York State Education Department in November 2023.

Architectural Renderings

Planning

• Our multi phase construction project is moving along as anticipated, with planning of all seven phases under way. Designs continue to be reviewed, and many meetings with stakeholders and consultants have taken place over the last six months to evaluate current and future programming needs.
• Survey work, including soil boring (testing) has been completed at both campuses which is important to the design work for the alterations/additions to these structures.  
• Phase one, the third floor renovation at the Regional Education Center at Arden Hill was submitted to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and a building permit has been issued. The project documents are prepared and the bidding process has begun. Hazardous materials testing is ongoing, as it is required to identify all potentially hazardous materials that may be disturbed during the project.

Next Steps

• It is anticipated that renovations to the third floor at Arden will begin during the Fall of 2023.

Architectural Renderings