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Board unanimously approves Smart Schools plan for fire‑alarm upgrades, authorizes transportation proposition and approves PLA study
Summary
The board approved the preliminary Smart Schools Investment Plan No. 6 using $584,960 for fire‑alarm/security upgrades, authorized a $2.92M transportation vehicle purchase proposition for the May ballot, and accepted a PLA feasibility study directing staff to begin negotiations; all votes were unanimous.
The Wappingers Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously at its March 9, 2026 meeting to approve several district actions: a preliminary Smart Schools Investment Plan (SSIP No. 6) to spend $584,960 in Smart Schools Bond Act funds on fire‑alarm and security upgrades; authorization to submit a transportation vehicle purchase proposition (maximum $2,923,557) to district voters on May 19, 2026; and acceptance of a Hill International feasibility study that will allow the district to negotiate a project‑labor agreement (PLA) for upcoming capital projects.
Mr. Loa presented the Smart Schools plan and noted the district has spent about $4.7 million of prior SSBA allocations and has approximately $585,000 remaining. He outlined intended uses for remaining funds and said the recommended SSIP would focus on replacing aging fire alarms and integrating new systems with security and intercom functions. "We have $585,000 left," Mr. Loa said, explaining the district will work with architects and vendors to choose a school that best meets reimbursement and budget constraints.
The board then approved the preliminary SSIP No. 6, resolving to apply $584,960 of SSBA funds for new fire‑alarm systems; the motion (Miss Kellen) passed unanimously.
On transportation, Kristen Dainty described a plan to retire and replace up to 15 high‑mileage vehicles and to purchase an additional 10 vehicles to respond to shifting enrollment and operational needs, for a total estimated purchase price of $2,923,557 to be financed via a 5‑year revolving bond anticipation note. "In 26‑27 we are looking to retire and replace up to 15 vehicles," Dainty said during the presentation. The board authorized placing the transportation proposition on the May 19 ballot by unanimous vote.
The board also accepted the Hill International PLA feasibility report and authorized district counsel, Hill and the construction manager to negotiate a PLA with the Hudson Valley Building Trades Council to be included in bid specifications once state permits are secured. Board members asked whether apprenticeship or student opportunities would be part of the final PLA; the board was told that such provisions would be addressed in PLA negotiations.
Additional routine business carried unanimously: approval of the consent agenda (items 7.02–7.11), nominations of two district representatives to the Duchess County BOCES board, approval of an internal risk assessment and corrective action plan recommended by the audit committee, approval of a new music course (Class Voice) for 2026–27, and approval of a new student club charter (El Club Latino) at Royce Ketchum High School. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next procedural steps: the SSIP remains posted for the public comment period and the transportation proposition will appear on the May 19 ballot for qualified district voters; PLA negotiations will proceed subject to state approvals.
