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ROTTERDAM
BOCES, community groups will use Woestina
BY MICHAEL GOOT Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Michael Goot at 395-3105 or mgoot@dailygazette.net.

Woestina Elementary School will be home to BOCES special education classes during the daytime and community groups in the evenings starting next fall.
    Schalmont Superintendent Valerie Kelsey announced Monday evening that the district has reached a rental agreement with Capital Region BOCES to use the space, which will become vacant at the end of the school year. The Board of Education in February voted to close Woestina and Mariaville elementary schools in the wake of declining enrollment, rising costs and decreasing state aid.
    The district will earn roughly $100,000 from the deal, according to Kelsey.
    “The rental income will help offset district expenditures and we’re glad we have an educational use,” she said.
    Kelsey said she hopes that this money and whatever additional aid the district receives from the state will allow her to restore fi eld trips, sports items and other items in the budget. It would not reverse any staff cuts because they were linked to declining enrollments and savings by closing the two schools.
    Charles Dedrick, district superintendent for Capital Region BOCES, said the space is well suited for students with disabilities.
    “We knew the building was very modern, very efficient and most importantly, handicapped accessible. A lot of the older buildings aren’t,” he said.
    He is not sure of the exact number of students that will be using operations but it would allow BOCES to consolidate some of its classrooms and put them in Woestina. .......................>>>>.....................>>>>.....................................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01201&AppName=1

Another "who cares because it is old news."