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Superintendent presents Wappingers Central School District budget with 2.59% tax-levy increase
Summary
The district superintendent outlined a $197 million preliminary budget that would raise the tax levy 2.59% while using about $14 million in fund balance for capital and safety projects; the budget will go to a public vote on May 19.
The superintendent presented the Wappingers Central School District’s preliminary 2026–27 budget and said it would come in under the state tax cap while asking voters to approve a 2.59% tax-levy increase.
“It is my pleasure this evening to present to you the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget,” the superintendent said, framing the proposal as the product of board, staff and community input.
The recommended budget would move the district’s levy-funded portion from $192,000,700 to $197,000,700 and the superintendent said the larger budget-to-budget change (nearer 4.9%) is being covered in part by planned use of fund balance and other non‑levy revenue.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Business Development Kristin Dainty said the district spent about $13 million from fund balance last year and the recommended budget would use about $14 million this year; she estimated the ending fund balance would be roughly 3.4% of the district’s operating base. “Our estimate after the end of the 25–26 school year would be about 3.4%,” Dainty said.
The superintendent said the district will aim to use fund balance to cover several capital and safety priorities so the work “won’t be on the backs of taxpayers.” Among the items called out were a replacement of aging fire-alarm and security systems at Myers Corners Elementary School and additional funds to complete a John Jay High School press‑box reconstruction that exceeded last year’s bond allocation.
The budget also includes one new position — a human resources supervisor — said the superintendent, who added the district plans staffing reductions through attrition only and that there would be no layoffs or increases in class size.
The presentation noted a reduction in summer offerings for elementary and middle school students because COVID-era funding that previously paid for those programs has been exhausted.
On the mechanics, the superintendent explained that a Consumer Price Index reading of 2.63% yields an allowable tax-levy limit of about 2.62% under the state tax-cap calculation; the district’s recommended levy increase of 2.59% was described as intentionally below that limit so it would not require a supermajority vote.
The presentation also highlighted revenue mix and state-level support: the superintendent said about 59% of the budget is funded by the tax levy while roughly 41% is expected from grants, fund balance, and state aid. The superintendent thanked staff and emphasized the district’s comparatively low per‑pupil spending among Dutchess County districts.
The superintendent credited recent increases in UPK funding and noted that final state aid figures could change after the state budget process (state budget due April 1 but often delayed). The district will hold a ballot presentation at John Jay High School on May 4, a state‑mandated public hearing at Royce and Ketchum High School, and the district budget vote is scheduled for May 19.
The superintendent closed by inviting public comment via community forums and the district budget email and website, and reiterated the district’s priorities of safety, mental-health supports, special education, and career and technical education.
Next steps: the district will present the budget at scheduled community forums, hold the mandated public hearing, and voters will decide the budget on May 19.
