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BOCES seeks space for displaced programs; Barker board open to exploring partnership
Summary
Orleans/Niagara BOCES presented options for housing about 70 students after North Tonawanda’s lease ends; BOCES cited options (lease, shared space, purchase) and requested a decision window of Oct.–Nov. to meet NYSED approvals; Barker trustees agreed to study the possibility.
Dr. Taweepon Farrar, Orleans/Niagara District Superintendent, told the Barker board that North Tonawanda’s BOCES lease will not be renewed and BOCES must rehouse roughly 70 students for 2026–27. She presented options including partnering with a component district, leasing private property, or new construction, and described program needs (approximately 11 rooms, classroom and related-services space) and potential barriers such as bus schedules, parking and shared-use impacts on cafeterias and gyms.
Dr. Farrar said BOCES provides career and technical education, special programs, adult education and related services and emphasized the regional benefits of a partnership — including facilities utilization and expanded opportunities for Barker students. She told the board BOCES would prefer a decision by October or November so NYSED approvals and planning for 2026–27 can proceed. Board members said they were open to exploring the opportunity but stressed due diligence on space use, staff travel and impacts on current Barker programs.
Superintendent Dr. Reimer said administration will compile analyses, gather staff feedback and present options to the Board. No lease or agreement was approved at the Sept. 8 meeting; the discussion produced direction to study feasibility and community impacts.
