Wappingers proposes $153 million capital project to add classrooms, expand special-education and UPK programs

Superintendent Dr. Bonk on Feb. 10 presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget and a proposed $153 million capital project aimed at expanding elementary capacity, bringing universal prekindergarten (UPK) into district schools, and increasing space for special-education and bilingual services.

The proposal, Dr. Bonk said, is intended to preserve existing programs and create new capacity while keeping the levy increase under the tax cap. "It is my goal and objective ... to come in with a budget that is below the tax cap," Dr. Bonk said. She told the board the proposed tax levy would rise from $190,000,000 to $193,000,000 — a levy-to-levy increase of about 1.5 percent — and described the capital project as a multi‑year effort likely to take about five years to complete if approved.

Why it matters: administrators told the board classroom space at elementary schools is at or near capacity, limiting the district’s ability to house integrated co‑taught (ICT) classes, self‑contained special‑education services and bilingual programs in students’ neighborhood schools. Without more space, staff said, students are being educated outside their home buildings and the district must rely on out‑of‑district placements for some needs.

Darren Lokema, assistant…