Capital project - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions?

Why do we need this project?

• This project is essential to ensure the safe, healthy and efficient operation of our schools.
  Routine building and maintenance budgets are not designed to handle the scale of improvements needed, such as roofs and essential systems that are outdated, failing or nearing the end of their useful life.
• Addressing these issues now helps us avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
• The New York State Education Department mandates a Building Condition Survey every five years; OCM BOCES has used this assessment to carefully prioritize the most critical upgrades.
• Enrollment in our Career & Technical Education and Special Education programs is growing rapidly, increasing the need for well-planned, functional classroom spaces that support both students and staff.

How long will it take to complete?

• Typically, 2-3 years after voter approval. The project must be reviewed by the New York State Education Department before it is put out to bid, and construction begins.

Who is eligible to vote?

• Anyone 18 or older who is a United States citizen living in any of the 23 component districts that OCM BOCES serves.

Will absentee or early voting ballots be available?

• Yes, from October 20 - November 12, qualified voters may obtain applications for absentee ballots or early voting ballots from the office of the BOCES Clerk or online at ocmboces.org/capitalproject. These applications need to be completed, signed and returned to the BOCES Clerk to allow time for the ballot to be mailed to the voter. The ballot itself must be returned to the BOCES Clerk no later than 5 p.m. on voting day, which is Wednesday, November 19, 2025. For more information, please contact BOCES Clerk Theresa Smith at
  tsmith@ocmboces.org or 315-433-2602.

Who qualifies for an absentee ballot or early voting ballot?

• Eligibility for an Absentee Ballot: Absentee ballots are available to qualified voters who will be unable to vote in person on voting day for one of the following reasons:
  
  a. Hospitalization, illness, physical disability, or responsibility for primary care of individuals who are ill or disabled;
  
  b. The person will be outside of their county or city of residence on the day of the referendum;
  
  c. The person will be in jail, awaiting grand jury action or trial or in custody for anything other than a felony on the day of the referendum.
  
  Eligibility for an Early Voting Ballot: Any qualified voter who wishes to vote early may request an early voting application. This option works well for qualified voters who do not wish to vote in person on voting day.