Voters approve OCM BOCES Facilities Referendum

Local voters have agreed to OCM BOCES’ proposed facilities referendum with a 93% percent approval. 1,401 votes were cast, with the final tally being 1,293 yes votes and 105 no votes on the referendum, which will not increase costs for any of its 23 local component school districts.

OCM BOCES District Superintendent Jody Manning said, “I want to thank everyone that came out today to vote on this referendum. The purchase of the former Nationwide building will allow some of our programs to be moved from leased facilities into the new building, resulting in improved facilities and adequate instructional space for our students. Additionally, and very importantly, this purchase will result in long-term savings for our 23 component districts.”

OCM BOCES provides its component districts with instructional support for teachers and administrators; management services for all districts; workforce preparation for adults; and career and technical education, alternative education and special education for K-12 students. As such, residents in each of the component school districts have the opportunity to vote on OCM BOCES capital projects, including this referendum.

OCM BOCES currently owns two facilities and leases eight additional to accommodate students and support its 23 component districts. Part of OCM BOCES’ current rental budget will be reallocated allowing those funds to be used to purchase the new building.

Board of Education President Ann Wright expressed her gratitude, saying, “On behalf of the OCM BOCES Board of Education, I wish to thank all of you for your support. We are very excited to move forward with this project.”