NORWICH - Voters in the 16 component districts of DCMO BOCES have approved a $44.4 million capital project. Proposition No. 1, to approve the reconstruction and addition project, passed 882 to 323 (73.2% to 26.8%). Proposition No. 2, the acquisition of the former Masonville Elementary School, passed 847 to 351 (70.7% to 29.3%).

The project proposed repairs and upgrades to both the Harrold Campus in Sidney Center and the Pole Campus in Norwich, an addition to the Harrold Campus, and the purchase of the Masonville School site for student program expansion. “The principles that are guiding the project development are Safety and Security, Flexibility, Expanding Opportunities, and Responsible Stewardship,” according to Bob Avery, DCMO Director of Services. “This work meets the criteria for each of these four principles.” Work is projected to begin in the spring of 2027 and be completed by December 2028.

“We are grateful for the approval of both propositions in this capital project and, moreover, for the support shown by our DCMO BOCES community,” said Michael Rullo, DCMO BOCES District Superintendent. “Be assured, the enhancements made to our programming and our facilities through this project will benefit the students of our region for years to come. DCMO BOCES will remain an outstanding place to learn and to work. We cannot wait to see the improvements come to life and watch our students thrive as a result!”

DCMO BOCES will borrow the funds to pay for the project from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), and will repay the debt over twenty years. Over 90% of the project will be eligible for state aid. Currently, DCMO BOCES is making annual payments to DASNY for the 2008-09 capital project that enabled additions to the two campuses. The last payment for that project is due in August 2027. The first payment for the new project will be due in the summer of 2028, after the earlier debt has been paid off. While each district’s state aid percentage is different and the tax assessment practices in each municipality varies, the regional average impact on every $1,000 of property value (full value) will be just over 2 cents per $1000.

DCMO BOCES is a regional provider of educational services to students and schools, and operates school campuses in Sidney Center and Norwich. To find out more about DCMO BOCES services and programs, visit www.dcmoboces.com. More detailed information about the project can be found on the Capital Building Project pages (links can be found at the top of every page on the DCMO website).

— Information from DCMO BOCES