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Cohoes BOE discusses alternative-program site search and staffing; State Ed standards limit one preferred location
Summary
The superintendent reported progress on staffing for the district's alternative program and described a site-selection process after State Education requirements ruled out one off-site option; the board heard enrollment projections and was told staff identified backup sites and in-district alternatives.
Superintendent O'Shea updated the Board of Education on July 2 about the district's planned alternative program and the search for an appropriate off-site location.
O'Shea said Cohoes High School and Cohoes Middle School have completed staffing plans and are working on student recommendations and parent outreach. The district initially sought to place the program at the Connect Center but State Education officials required the space to meet new-building code standards for a new program; O'Shea said that eliminated the Connect Center option as a primary site for the program unless significant facility work was completed.
The district has identified several alternatives: a site reviewed by an architect in collaboration with city representatives, the county-owned community center opening in August, and a middle-school wing with a separate entrance as a fallback. O'Shea said the district prefers an off-site location but has confirmed multiple contingency plans so the program can open by the start of the school year.
O'Shea provided projected initial enrollment of approximately 15 ninth graders, 15 tenth graders and 8—10 middle school students and said program hours will differ from the regular day (start later and end earlier). Tim (staff) and Laura (staff) were asked to provide a more detailed update at the July 30 meeting.
Board members pressed for timeline clarity and for a final site decision; O'Shea said the district will continue to coordinate with State Ed and city partners and expects more detailed recommendations at the next meeting.
