Courtesy WSWHE BOCES
The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES broke ground Nov. 12 on its Vision 2027: Future-Focused Facilities project. The announcement was made in a recent press release from the organization.
The groundbreaking marks a major step toward a modern, centralized K–12 instructional campus designed to expand hands-on learning and student support. The ceremony brought together component school superintendents, WSWHE BOCES board members, regional legislators, workforce development partners, students and staff to celebrate the start of construction.
The project stems from the WSWHE BOCES 2023 Strategic Plan and facilities study process, incorporating input from school superintendents, business officials, educators, and community and workforce partners. The New York State Education Department approved the project in August.
“This groundbreaking reinforces our commitment to creating modern instructional environments that equip students with the skills and confidence they need for success,” said Dr. Turina Parker, district superintendent of WSWHE BOCES. “Vision 2027 expands access to high-quality educational opportunities for students across our region and will benefit generations to come.”
Located on a 45.5-acre site at 230 Ballard Road, the new campus will bring all WSWHE BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Exceptional Learners Division (ELD) programs together on one site. The 291,650-square-foot campus will include three new instructional buildings for K-6 ELD, 7-12 ELD and CTE programs; 44 CTE classrooms and specialty labs; 53 ELD classrooms near service providers; gymnasiums, playgrounds and therapeutic spaces; and enhanced transportation access within one mile of Interstate 87, Exit 16.
The new campus will unite WSWHE BOCES programs now offered in Saratoga Springs, Hudson Falls and Glens Falls into one instructional setting supporting student learning and workforce development. Early College Career Academy programs at SUNY Adirondack will continue to operate separately and are not part of the project.
Growing enrollment, facility limitations and rising demand for specialized instruction shaped the project’s design. A 2024 building condition survey identified more than $80 million in necessary repairs at the two BOCES-owned sites over five years. Constructing a new BOCES-owned campus was estimated at more than $160 million.
After collaborative review with component districts, a 20-year lease totaling about $98.6 million in construction costs was approved as the most cost-effective and instructionally aligned approach.
Current programs will continue uninterrupted during construction. WSWHE BOCES will provide a detailed transition plan for families, staff and districts closer to completion.
“This campus is built on district collaboration and a clear vision for student success,” Parker said. “We look forward to opening a space to welcome students in fall 2027 that will support innovation in teaching, career pathways and student achievement for today’s students and those who follow.”