Superintendent Dr. Bonk told the Wappingers Central School District Board of Education on Aug. 25 that the district is beginning the 2025–26 school year with plans to expand workforce development, pursue new career programs, and continue capital-improvement planning.

Dr. Bonk said the district’s administrative leadership conference discussed preparations for 10,613 students in grades UPK–12 across 15 schools and emphasized personalizing the educational experience. “One of the things that we continue to work on is ensuring that we meet the needs of all of our students, and we personalize the educational experience for each and every one of them,” he said.

The superintendent described workforce-development work he attended in Albany with the State Education Department and the State Department of Labor that focused on apprenticeships. He said the district is exploring new career and technical education options and potential pathways in aviation, nursing and teacher preparation to give high school students hands-on exposure. “Wouldn’t it be great if we can get our high school students involved in programs that would be able to share with them what teaching is like and what they can expect?” he said.

Dr. Bonk also said the district will continue planning for a capital improvement project and undertake a new strategic plan. He thanked facilities and operations staff for preparing buildings and noted about 1,300 students participated in summer learning activities.

On extracurriculars, Dr. Bonk highlighted the district’s placement in national rankings: out of more than 600 school districts in New York State, the district ranked 15th overall in athletics and athletic opportunities in niche reporting and U.S. News & World Report, he said. “It’s not only what you do in the classroom, but it’s also what you do outside of the classroom,” he said, adding that athletics and performing arts growth benefits students.

Why it matters: Expansion of career pathways, apprenticeships and capital planning shape curriculum and facility investments affecting thousands of students; pursuing partnerships with SUNY, CUNY, the state education department and labor agencies could change program offerings.

Less critical details: Dr. Bonk framed the initiatives as ongoing planning; he did not present detailed budgets, timelines or firm commitments for specific new programs during the report.