Capital Project FAQ
How does this project benefit me?
BOCES provides programs and services to School Districts throughout the region which save local school districts funds. This project updates and maintains BOCES facilities so that they can continue to provide these programs and services cost-effectively for future generations of students.
What are the key elements of this project?
This project contains a balance of program related and infrastructure improvements. The goal is to address all of the needs in one comprehensive project so as to achieve an economy of scale and so that there is not a need to request funding and complete projects every few years. Each location has significant capital repairs or replacement to address materials and systems that have significantly exceeded their expected useful life as well as renovations, additions and replacement of spaces that are needed to deliver the educational programs.
- Arden Hill Campus – The work proposed completes the Master Plan that was developed when the property first came available to BOCES including additional conversion of space from health care to educational use and the addition of a physical education facility for Arden Hill students and component Districts.
- Gibson Road Campus – Axelrod Building – This building will be updated with more support space for the special education programs, conversion of administrative space to instructional space and a new consolidated security entrance and administrative suite.
- Gibson Road Campus – Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) – The entire building is being updated and original classroom functions are being restored. Interior circulation will be improved, a new security entrance provided and replacement of a metal storage building that is used as classrooms with a new purpose-built specialty instructional wing with a Video Studio, Advanced Electrical Labs, an Aeronautics classroom / simulator and a multi-purpose fitness / assembly space.
How will the project be financed and what is the cost to me?
Why is this proposal larger than typical School District capital projects?
BOCES cannot finance Capital projects the same way that School Districts can. They cannot create a Capital Reserve nor carry a fund balance. The process for funding and authorization is more complex and cumbersome than it is for School Districts so it makes sense to do fewer but larger projects to address all pressing concerns.
The Gibson Road Campus was all built at approximately the same time (1969) so that the building systems and the design of the educational spaces are all outdated. The buildings were designed prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), personal computers, campus and building security concerns and all energy codes. There has not been a major Capital project at this campus since 1986 or 36 years ago. Approximately 80% of the project budget is focused on updating the Gibson Road campus.
BOCES has three very large complex facilities to serve Career, Technical and Special Education programs. The total size of the buildings is 660,000 square feet or 15 acres of buildings with an estimated replacement value for the buildings alone of approximately $400 Million. Not only is the overall size of the facilities greater than many school districts, the uses are more specialized, which translates into higher maintenance and renovation costs.
How does the proposed project support instruction?
By listening to BOCES instructors and then incorporating many of their suggestions the project will improve learning environments across all programs. The project will update as well as provide new special education classrooms. Updates include integrated storage in classrooms and the provision of multi-purpose support spaces adjacent to classrooms. In the CTEC building the location of programs is being re-organized to group similar functions together for increased efficiency and to provide dedicated instructional areas within shop spaces. The proposed infrastructure work will result in both a more comfortable thermal environment and improved indoor air quality for better health.
Does the project qualify for State Aid?
Yes – A significant portion of the project – over 70% will qualify for State Aid at the local District’s Aid ratio.
With enrollment in Districts stable or shrinking, why is this project needed now?
This project is not primarily a response to increased enrollment but is focused on updating and maintaining BOCES facilities. There is however an increasing demand for special education services to Districts and many of the Career and Technical Education programs have waiting lists.
With energy prices climbing, does this project incorporate sustainable and energy savings elements?
Yes – the project includes building envelope improvements and HVAC upgrades in all three buildings. This includes added roof insulation, new energy efficient windows, replacement of HVAC units with more efficient units many of which will be air source electric heat pumps in anticipation of pending all electric building regulations. The total amount of energy efficiency related work is $23 million. Additional opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and systems will be implemented as the project is developed.
In an inflationary environment how will costs be managed so the project is not over budget?
Budgets were developed based on recently completed similar projects in the region and then design and construction contingencies (5% & 10%) as well as cost escalation (12%) and project “soft” costs (15%) were added. This initial process prior to funding approval establishes a concept and a budget and as the project develops multiple cost estimates will be completed and the scope and approach modified as necessary to align with the fixed budget. The project cannot exceed the approved budget without additional voter authorization.
Has the project team successfully completed similar projects in the region?
KG+D Architects and BPD Municipal Finance have successfully designed, built and arranged financing for hundreds of millions of dollars of capital projects for School Districts throughout the Hudson Valley and New York State. It is anticipated to add a qualified construction management professional to the team once the project is approved.
Will programs and students be impacted during the implementation of the project?
There are specific state regulations that will be included in the bidding documents that do not allow construction to impact the health and safety of students and staff or interrupt the instructional process. Once funding is approved, a detailed phasing plan will be developed to carefully plan the implementation of the various renovation and new construction elements of the project.
What would the Capital Project do?
This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring our Arden Hill and Gibson Road campuses into the future by transforming how and where BOCES students - of all ages- learn. We need to create school facilities modeled on what's found in today's workplaces. The upgraded facilities will reflect the environment of today's workplaces and educational settings. This will ensure continuity and better equip our students for success, both educationally and in their careers.
What are the benefits of the facilities upgrades and renovations?
The upgrades and renovations will benefit both health and safety. For example, the HVAC updates are crucial as we continue to manage COVID. Also, new security stations and entrance controls will enhance safety and security capabilities. The transformed facilities, roofs and buildings will also provide greater efficiency, including reduction in energy costs.
When would work on the projects start?
Work would start in 2024 and be completed in phases. Every effort will be made during construction to minimize disruption for students and staff.