Tech Valley High School - Frequently Asked Questions

Funding of Tech Valley High School

How is Tech Valley High School funded?
The school is funded primarily through tuition payments from school districts, which are partially reimbursed by New York State through BOCES aid. The Tech Valley School Foundation was formed to access additional funding from federal, state, corporate, foundation and individual sources. This additional funding is used to offset the costs of Tech Valley High School to the component districts, to allow Tech Valley High School to achieve a margin of excellence, and to allow Tech Valley High School to share what it learns with schools throughout the region.

How will the construction of Tech Valley High School be funded?
To date all capital expenses have been funded through legislative appropriations by New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and New York State Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari. If a new facility is constructed, it will be built by a real estate developer and be designed to support the school’s project-based learning programs.

The facility would grow along with the number of students and be leased for 20 years with an option to purchase or renew the lease at the end of that period.

Typically, BOCES leases are restricted to a 10-year term but the New York State Legislature and governor have approved legislation allowing for a 20-year lease term for this project.

Capital costs associated with Tech Valley High School will be included in the BOCES’ capital budgets and apportioned to school districts as with all other BOCES facilities.

Where did funds come from for Tech Valley High School’s planning and start-up costs?
More than $1.1 million of state funding was obtained through the commitment and support of New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and New York State Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari. An additional $400,000 was received from the New Technology Foundation in California, which is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In addition to state leaders, the school is championed by New York State Senator Hillary Clinton, New York State Senator Charles Schumer, New York State Congressman Michael McNulty and New York State Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand.

How will funding be sustained over time?
The school will be sustained through a combination of BOCES support as well as support from individuals, corporations, foundations, government and the Tech Valley School Foundation.
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