Approximately 70 participants attended the event, including students from the Exceptional Learners Division (ELD), Career and Technical Education students, component school district superintendents, administrators, workforce development partners, legislative representatives, and members of the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education.
The ceremony centered on the signing of a structural steel beam that will become a permanent part of the new educational facilities currently under construction at the WSWHE BOCES campus. Steel signing ceremonies are a longstanding tradition in major construction projects and are often used in school settings to allow students, staff, and community members to take part in marking a project’s progress.
Among those in attendance was Kristine Orr, superintendent of the South Glens Falls Central School District, who spoke about the planning process and collaboration among the 31 component districts.
“As a superintendent, I have been on the facilities committee and looked at the plans. Capital planning is always very exciting for any school,” said Orr. “But when 31 schools can get together and help make decisions along with our BOCES superintendent and all the other administrators, it really is something special.”
For several ELD students who signed the beam, the event carried special significance as they learned they will have the opportunity to attend classes in the new facilities when the project is completed.
"One of the most rewarding moments today was watching students realize they will have the opportunity to learn in these new spaces," said Parker. "Their excitement reminds us why this project matters. Vision 2027 is the result of planning and support from our component school districts and community partners. The signatures on this beam represent the people who have helped move this project forward and the students who will benefit from it in the years ahead."
The Vision 2027: Future-Focused Facilities Project will modernize and expand WSWHE BOCES facilities while bringing programs together on a single campus. Construction remains on schedule for completion in June 2027, ready to welcome students for the 2027-28 school year.
Following the ceremony, component school district superintendents and members of the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education participated in guided tours of the construction site.
Renderings of the new campus and additional information are available on the WSWHE BOCES website:
https://www.wswheboces.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4414563&type=d&pREC_ID=2647450