March 29, 2011—Woestina Elementary School will become home to special education classes next school year under a rental agreement recently reached with the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

"Not only will the rental income help offset district expenditures during these difficult fiscal times, but we're thrilled to have found an educational use for the building," said Superintendent Dr. Valerie Kelsey.

The decision comes more than a month after the Board of Education unanimously voted to close both Woestina and Mariaville elementary schools due to declining enrollment, rising operating costs and a significant gap between expenses and revenues. At that time, the board had indicated their preference was, first and foremost, to see the building used in a way that would benefit the community. 

"We're thankful to BOCES for making a concerted effort to utilize available rental space in component school districts," said Kelsey. 

The total amount of the rental is based on existing guidelines that is agreed to by all Capital Region BOCES' component schools. 

Although the building will be occupied during the day, it will be available for community use, such as boy scout and girl scout meetings, each evening from approximately 4 to 9 p.m. Review the district's facility use policies.

District officials have met with representatives from the Town of Rotterdam to discuss uses for the building's playground and the potential addition of fields.

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