The Peru Gazette

1/16/25 – Plattsburgh, New York — Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington Board of Cooperative Educational Services (CVES BOCES) is proud to announce plans for a new, state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Plattsburgh, New York. This transformative project addresses growing enrollment, space constraints, and the demand for modern workforce development programs, positioning CVES BOCES as a leader in educational excellence and regional economic development. 

The $59 million project includes a 155,000-square-foot CTE center and an additional 12,000-square-foot accessory building to be built on a 17-acre site adjacent to CVES’s Learning Hub Campus. The facility will provide cutting-edge learning environments for high school and adult students, fostering opportunities for skills development in alignment with the needs of regional employers. 

“The CVES Board is proud to support this innovative initiative that will empower students to pursue their desired career paths with the high-quality resources needed to succeed in the modern workforce,” CVES Board President Mr. Michael St. Pierre said. “This CTE Center possesses vital importance to our community, and we anticipate outstanding results thanks to the incredible staff that works with our students on a daily basis to create the next generation of young professionals and boost the skillsets of adult learners.” 

“The Clinton County Capital Resource Corporation, an economic development partner of the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), is proud to support the development of this transformative Career and Technical Education Center. By issuing the bonds that assisted with financing this critical project, the Corporation is reinforcing its commitment to advancing workforce development, education, and economic growth across the North Country,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of CCIDA. “This state-of-the-art facility will empower students and adult learners with the skills they need to succeed and strengthen partnerships with regional employers and drive long-term economic sustainability in the community. The Corporation is thrilled to be a part of such a visionary project that will have a lasting impact on the region.”

Meeting the Growing Demand for Educational Opportunities 

The new CTE Center comes at a critical time for CVES BOCES. Enrollment in the CV-TEC programs has grown by 35% over the past decade, increasing from 652 students in the 2014-2015 school year to 877 students as of August 2024. Meanwhile, enrollment in special education programs at the Rise Center for Success has risen by 59% in the same period, with a current enrollment of 242 students. Many programs are operating at or near capacity, with waitlists preventing CVES from meeting the full needs of the community. 

“This exciting and dynamic facility represents a bold step forward in ensuring that all students in our region have access to the tools and career opportunities they need to succeed,” said the CVES District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Davey. “By addressing space limitations to meet our growing enrollment and modernizing our infrastructure, we are building a brighter future for our students, families, and communities. In addition, we are committed to supporting the NYSED Blue Ribbon Commission Recommendations to strengthen our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offerings, thereby preparing the next generation workforce in close partnership with our North Country business community and our sixteen component districts.” 

The new facility will allow CVES to upgrade its 1970s-era facilities to meet current business and industry standards. It will feature 10 high-bay spaces with accompanying classrooms, 18 additional classroom and program spaces, a large dining and conference area, and a dedicated school food hub. This modern infrastructure ensures CVES students will have access to the tools and environments they need to succeed in competitive industries. 

Driving Regional Workforce Development and Economic Growth 

This project solidifies CVES’s role as a regional workforce development hub. Supported by a $3 million Workforce Development Capital Grant from NYS Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development and $3 million from a $5 million school food infrastructure grant from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the new CTE Center will be a cornerstone for preparing high school and adult learners to meet the demands of local employers while supporting the broader economic vitality of the North Country region. 

“For 75 years, CVES BOCES has been a cornerstone in providing vital educational opportunities and workforce development across our region, helping to strengthen our communities and local economy,” said CVES Deputy Superintendent Dr. Eric Bell. “As we envision the future, the imperative for innovative and adaptable BOCES programs and services is more crucial than ever to effectively meet the shifting needs of our school districts and communities, ensuring continued success and resilience in an increasingly complex and evolving global landscape.” 

A Collaborative and Cost-Effective Approach 

In collaboration with the Community Initiatives Development Corporation (CIDC), CVES has opted for a lease-build approach, a strategy that accelerates the timeline for completion and ensures cost-effectiveness. The project, managed by BBL Construction through a design-build process, is expected to save over $20 million compared to traditional school construction methods. Upon completion of the 20-year lease in 2046, CVES will have the opportunity to take ownership of the facility at a projected cost of less than $500,000, pending voter approval. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the facility ready for the 2026-2027 school year. CVES anticipates holding a groundbreaking ceremony in spring 2025 to celebrate this milestone achievement. 

Expanding Opportunities Across the Region 

The new CTE Center will free up space at the current CVES Plattsburgh Campus, enabling the expansion of special education services and additional programs to meet community needs. At the same time, CVES remains committed to its Mineville Campus, which will continue operations with planned expansions, including a new Welding program slated for the 2025-2026 school year. 

“The development of our new CTE Center represents a transformative step forward for education and workforce development in our region,” Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Ms. Michele Friedman said. 

“This facility will serve as a hub of innovation and opportunity, equipping our young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in high-demand careers. By aligning with the evolving needs 

of industries and our communities, we are investing not only in our students but also in the future economic growth and sustainability of the North Country. This center will inspire the next generation of leaders, creators, and skilled professionals, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in education and regional development.” 

Looking Ahead 

This project represents a significant investment in the future of education and economic development in the North Country. By addressing space constraints, upgrading facilities, and expanding opportunities, CVES ensures that students, families, and employers across the region have the resources they need to thrive. 

For more information about this project and CVES BOCES programs, please get in touch with CVES Communications and Publications Manager Joey LaFranca.