Wappingers superintendent outlines preliminary 2026-27 budget, targets tax levy under 2.61%

Superintendent Dr. Bonk presented the Wappingers Central School District's preliminary 2026-27 budget framework, saying he will recommend a budget "under the tax cap levy" and that "it's gonna be 2.61%." The superintendent framed the proposal as the fourth consecutive year the recommended budget would remain below the tax-cap rate while continuing current programs and student supports.

Dr. Bonk told the board the district serves 10,578 students and reiterated that the final budget will depend on New York State aid figures, which the district hopes to have by the April 1 budget deadline but has not consistently received on time in prior years. He said the district intends to use fund balance again to help balance the spending plan and lessen taxpayer impact.

The superintendent laid out the public engagement and review timeline: a budget-process presentation on Feb. 23 (English and Spanish), the recommended-budget presentation on March 9, a second presentation on March 23, an anticipated update by April 13 (contingent on state aid timing), a ballot presentation on May 4 at John Jay High School, a state-mandated public hearing at Roycey Ketchum High School on May 11, and the budget vote on May 19, 2026. He invited residents to submit priorities via budget@wcsdny.org.

Board members asked for and received clarifications during the presentation about counselor hires and staffing: the superintendent said the district hired about 20 counselors, social workers and school psychologists in the past three years to support students after the pandemic. He also credited staff and community supports for extracurricular and competitive successes, noting the district's Science Olympiad teams and athletic recognitions.

The next formal steps are the March presentations and the public meetings listed above. The superintendent and board requested public input on budget priorities ahead of the recommended budget presentation.