POUGHKEEPSIE – The $36.8 million Dutchess BOCES capital project is progressing, and groundbreaking could take place as early as April 15.
The project, which will consolidate all K-12 programs on one campus on Salt Point Turnpike, was approved by county residents in December 2018.
Design plans were submitted to the State Education Department and requests for competitive bids for the project were issued at the end of January. Those bids are due back February 26.
Significant site work is necessary before construction of the addition can begin. Work in the buildings will not begin until students have left for summer break.
In addition to the building project, BOCES hopes to add municipal water to the campus.
“This is an exciting time,” said BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Richard Hooley. “BOCES is where students from every Dutchess County school district are served. This project will have a positive impact on students by providing appropriate, modern spaces for teaching and learning.”
This is the first major capital project for Dutchess BOCES in more than 50 years. The alternative high school will be relocated from rented space to a new space adjoining the Career and Technical Institute. Both CTI and the Salt Point Center, where BOCES serves K-8 students from all across the county, will see upgrades and renovations.
The project will be completed by September 2021, allowing the Alternative High School to begin the 2021-22 school year at the Salt Point campus. The completed project will provide program flexibility and allow BOCES to expand offerings.
