Victoria Falahee

This Facilities Needs Assessment details the Wappingers Central School District's urgent need for a capital project to ensure the continued provision and expansion of essential programs and services for all students. Key priorities include addressing elementary school capacity constraints by adding over 30 classrooms, enabling reduced class sizes, expanding Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), and developing specialized education and English Language Learner programs. The project also aims to support advanced academic opportunities through the addition of Grade 6 to middle schools, upgrade facilities with air handling systems, and improve spaces for extracurricular activities and community use. The intended outcome is to empower students to challenge themselves, pursue their passions, and realize their potential as responsible members of their community.

The meeting featured a presentation from Trane Technologies regarding their HVAC equipment, installation, and maintenance services. The committee reviewed progress updates on the 2023 Capital Projects, including site-specific improvements at Roy C. Ketcham High, Vassar Road Elementary, and Van Wyck Junior High, as well as necessary sound system design revisions. Status reports were provided for the 2025 Capital Projects, encompassing Phase 1 planning and a detailed review of Phase 2 site and building improvements across multiple district schools, including additions, renovations, and upgrades to athletic fields, technology rooms, and mechanical systems. Additionally, the committee addressed the need for district-wide fire alarm upgrades and potential funding strategies.

This document outlines a comprehensive program of wellness activities for the WCSD across multiple school locations for the 2025-2026 academic year. It details various initiatives focused on physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being for students and staff, including intramurals, fitness challenges, mindfulness practices, character education programs, community events, and family engagement activities. Each school's specific annual and monthly events are detailed, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering a healthy and supportive environment.

The meeting commenced with a proposed Executive Session to discuss a student-related matter protected by FERPA, collective negotiations, and staff employment history, followed by a return to Public Session. The agenda included a moment of silence for recently passed employees. A Public Hearing was held regarding Smart Schools Investment Plan #6, which proposes utilizing remaining Smart Schools Bond funding ($584,960) for aging fire alarms and security systems. The preliminary plan was presented and subsequently approved. Key actions included approving the Transportation Proposition for vehicle replacement to be voted on in May 2026, approving multiple Consent Agenda items covering personnel actions (retirements, appointments, leaves of absence, etc.), approving CSE/CPSE recommendations, approving two overnight field trips for Math League and Model UN, approving Tax Lists #7 and #8 for property tax refunds, approving the Bid Report, approving budget transfers between various accounts, and accepting several monetary donations.

This document details the district-wide strategy for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) by focusing on integrated ENL instruction. Key pillars include comprehensive identification processes, structured programmatic requirements (Integrated ENL, Stand-alone ENL, Bilingual Education), and data-driven instruction. The approach integrates language development within content areas, provides differentiated literacy, invests in professional development, and utilizes culturally responsive materials. Additional priorities involve continuous progress monitoring, leveraging students' home languages, offering targeted language development, and enhancing family engagement through the WCSD ENL Outreach Committee. The ultimate vision is to ensure equitable access to rigorous academic content and foster English proficiency for all ELLs.