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WSWHE BOCES outlines $96M single-site plan to expand CTE and special‑education capacity
Summary
WSWHE BOCES officials presented a proposal to Ballston Spa Central School District trustees for a single‑site, leased campus in Wilton that would combine CTE and exceptional‑learners programs, cost $96 million over 20 years and open in September 2027 if approved.
WSWHE BOCES Superintendent Dr. Trina Parker told the Ballston Spa Board of Education on March 19 that the regional BOCES is planning a new single‑site campus to expand career and technical education (CTE) and exceptional‑learners capacity.
The proposal calls for a new CTE center, an Exceptional Learners High School Center and an Exceptional Learners Elementary Center on a single campus in Wilton. The project cost to participating districts is $96,000,000 spread over a 20‑year lease, Parker said. The BOCES plans to discontinue leasing its current elementary site in Glens Falls and to sell the two existing centers to help offset project costs.
Parker said the new site would allow the region to serve more students currently on wait lists — the BOCES projects capacity for up to 328 additional students in exceptional‑learners programs — and to expand programs that are constrained by current facilities, such as welding, HVAC, animal science and power sports. Parker said the plan would create “more pathways” and permit programs now offered only at one center to be available across the region.
David Ashdown, WSWHE BOCES executive director for technology and business operations, described the project as a “once every couple generation opportunity” to plan technology and flexible learning spaces from the ground up. He said the campus design work is marrying instructional needs with modern technology and adaptable classroom layouts so programs such as culinary, advanced manufacturing and special‑needs classrooms can be taught more effectively.
Parker said the BOCES has secured land near Exit 16, adjacent to the Ballston Road Conference Center, and is negotiating a 20‑year lease with Community Initiatives Development Corporation (CIDC). Under the proposed arrangement CIDC, a nonprofit partner, would finance and own the buildings for the lease term; BOCES would design and program the facility and lease it from CIDC. Parker said CIDC, as a nonprofit, would not seek profit from the transaction and that payments over 20 years would cover construction costs; after the lease term districts would have options to continue leasing at a reduced rate or to purchase the property.
Tim Hilker, assistant superintendent for administrative services, and other BOCES staff said the team is working on an aggressive timeline: ground‑breaking in October 2025 and an opening for students in September 2027, subject to approvals and financing. Parker said the BOCES plans to use projected sale proceeds from existing properties to offset the new project costs and to discontinue current leases once the new campus is ready.
Board members asked about operational details and transitions; Parker said program relocations and transportation efficiencies (single point of transportation for districts) are part of the planning. The BOCES will continue outreach to business and industry partners to identify additional program needs that a single site could support, such as sports science and green energy.
The presentation included student speakers from Ballston Spa who described their hands‑on experiences in WSWHE BOCES programs (health occupations, culinary, New Visions medical rotations). Parker and Ashdown asked the board for ongoing support from local districts and superintendent committees as planning continues.
