When IBM left Kingston, N.Y., in 1995, it left behind more than just an empty campus — it left behind a symbol of what once was. For years, efforts to reimagine the site stalled. But through sustained conversation with our eight component districts — a dialogue that began with my predecessor, Charles Khoury, Ed.D. — Ulster BOCES began to see that this space could be something more than a development opportunity. It could be transformed into a hub for career and technical education that is rooted in community and responsive to the needs of today’s learners.
Across New York state, while public school enrollment continues to decline, interest in CTE is rising. At the same time, districts face challenges in creating inclusive learning environments for students with disabilities. Redeveloping the IBM campus into what we’re calling the Ulster BOCES Career Pathways Academies at iPark 87 is our bold response to both needs. Slated to open this fall, iPark is already catalyzing stronger ties between Ulster BOCES, our districts, local businesses and community partners.
Building an interconnected educational ecosystem
From the start, we knew that reimagining this campus would require more than vision — it would require collective ownership. That’s why we convened a diverse steering committee of business leaders, educators, students and community members to shape the direction. Rather than overloading stakeholders with a series of small meetings, we’ve created structured, high-impact gatherings that prioritize shared decision-making.
iPark will serve as a living example of what’s possible when education and industry occupy the same space. With company offices on-site, students will gain direct access to internships and mentorships without ever leaving the building. The campus will include 700 units of workforce housing and host Ulster County’s Economic Development Office. A central space called the Arena will double as a stage for student exhibitions during the day and community showcases or trade presentations on evenings and weekends.
Where CTE and Deeper Learning meet
Ulster BOCES has long been committed to Deeper Learning — a student-centered, project-based approach that builds higher-order thinking, collaboration and civic engagement. Our Leading for Deeper Learning conference affirmed that CTE and Deeper Learning are not separate tracks; they are powerful allies.
In our vision, CTE is not a fallback; it’s a forward path. Students engage in real-world problem-solving, often co-designed with local employers, where projects are tied to authentic needs and deliverables. That’s Deeper Learning at its best: when learners are doing work that matters to someone beyond the classroom.
As someone who was academically successful in school, I was still curious about CTE, but I was told, “That’s not for you.” That mindset is outdated. At iPark, CTE will integrate reading, writing and digital literacies, including AI fluency, right alongside technical skills.
Designing learning that lasts
The competencies we emphasize — global citizenship, community engagement and real-world problem solving — are not soft skills. They are essential. Whether students pursue college, careers or service, these are the capabilities that will help them thrive.
When iPark opens, it will represent more than a building repurposed. It will stand as a model of how education, economic development and community revitalization can converge. Imagine students learning on industry-grade machinery endorsed by employers, building a portfolio of work that matters and stepping into opportunity with confidence.
These are not performative partnerships — they’re durable ones. We’re building iPark not just for this year’s students and educators but also for future generations. My hope is that it serves as a blueprint for communities across the country, proof that education can be the engine of regional renewal, and that when we center the future in our design, we expand what’s possible for everyone.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
Subscribe to SmartBrief’s FREE email newsletters to see the latest hot topics on educational leadership in ASCD and ASCDLeaders. They’re among SmartBrief’s more than 200 industry-focused newsletters.