Legislation Sponsored By Senator Saland To Establish The Tech Valley High School Is Signed By The Governor

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that legislation he has sponsored (S.5729) together with Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno (R, Brunswick) to create Tech Valley High School has been signed by the Governor. The technology-themed high school would provide students in Columbia County and throughout the Capital District with the opportunity to learn advanced sciences and emerging technologies.

Tech Valley High School would have a student population of approximately 400 students and would provide a standard regents high school course of instruction for grades nine through twelve together with a focus in technology. Students residing in the Capital Region BOCES and Questar III BOCES districts would be eligible to attend.

"I am pleased that Governor Pataki has signed this legislation," said Senator Steve Saland. "Tech Valley High School will offer a phenomenal opportunity for Columbia County students, as well as students throughout the Capital Region. Through their partnership with New York State businesses Tech Valley High School will give students a unique opportunity to learn about and work with emerging technology."

Tech Valley High School will engage students in rigorous and enriching educational experiences focused on emerging technologies, project-based learning and collaboration, and will provide experience in advanced technical facilities.

The school is going to be operated by a joint board made up of the members from Capital Region BOCES and Questar III. There will also be an advisory council comprised of members of the Capitol Region business community.

The Capital Region BOCES covers school districts in Albany, Schenectady and Schoharie Counties, as well as Shenendehowa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in Saratoga County. The Questar III BOCES covers schools in Rensselaer, Columbia, and part of Greene Counties (Cairo-Durham, Catskill, Coxsackie-Athens, Greenville).