Wappingers superintendent previews 2025–26 budget; proposes levy increase below tax-cap

The superintendent of the Wappingers Central School District released a video presentation outlining the district's proposed 2025'26 budget and the timetable for public review, saying the recommended tax levy would be "below the tax cap." The district proposes a levy of a little over $193,000,000, an increase of roughly $2,800,000 from the prior year and a preliminary estimate of about a 1.5% levy increase.

The presentation explained why the levy and state aid are central to the district's finances: about 68.57% of preliminary revenue is projected to come from the proposed tax levy, while proposed New York State aid accounts for about 29.11% of the budget. The superintendent said final budget numbers depend on state aid figures set by the New York State Legislature and the New York State Education…