2022-23 WCSD News: Budget Edition

Budget Edition

WCSD News

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

a guide to the 2022-23 Budget and Propositions

CAREFUL MANAGEMENT, KEY ADDITIONS
REAL RESULTS
• ACADEMICS: Enrichment, academic
• The 2022-23 Budget is under the tax assistance, professional development
cap for the first time since its inception
in 2012. • SECURITY: School Resource Officers and
School Safety Officers at middle schools
• It uses a tax levy of .83%; the maximum
allowable levy is 1.38%. • STUDENT WELLNESS: Social workers and
other support positions
• It maintains existing services and adds
support in key areas. • FOCUS ON SKILLED TRADES: Welding
and electrical workspaces at WJHS

• ACTIVITIES: Funding for field trips, Boys
volleyball, marching band, and more

Voters Will Be Asked to Decide the Following:

Proposition 1: 2022-23 Budget Proposition 3: Bus Replacement

Proposition 2: Capital Improvement Project Proposition 4: Givens Lane Lease

Board of Education Election (Three Seats)

Watch the 2022-23 Budget Presentation on Optimum 21 & Verizon Fios 33

May 11 at 7:00 pm • May 12 at 7:00 pm
May 13 at 7:00 pm • May 16 at 6:30 pm

or visit www.wappingersschools.org

Empower Challenge Grow

Vote May 17 • 7:30am - 9:00pm

The Wappingers A MESSAGE FROM JOHN LUMIA, BOE PRESIDENT &
Central School District DR. DWIGHT BONK, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Board of Education Dear Wappingers Central School District Community,
This year, District taxpayers will be asked to vote on both
John Lumia, President the proposed school budget for 2022-23, and a Capital
Peggy Kelland, Vice President Improvement Project. The BOE and Superintendent
Keri Cahill support a budget where student needs are the highest
Marie Johnson priority. We would like to highlight some key items
Michael McFarland that are included in these propositions, developed with
John S. Morgan our theme of “Connecting with the Community.”
Keith Odums We are pleased to share that the proposed tax levy
Eddy A. Sloshower increase in the 2022-23 Budget is .83 percent, which
James Spencer is below the allowable tax cap (1.38 percent), and
the lowest tax levy increase in our District since the
Administration inception of the tax cap in 2012.
We are also happy to share that the proposed budget not only maintains
Superintendent of Schools existing programs but adds many others. Because safety has been
Dr. Dwight Bonk a concern nationwide, the budget includes a School Safety Officer and
School Resource Officer at both of our middle schools, as well as:
Senior Staff Administration • Increased staffing in the areas of student health and wellness support
Daren Lolkema • More school nurses
Dr. Michelle Cardwell • Vocational education opportunities at both middle schools
Kristen Crandall • Expanded summer education programs
Richard Zipp • Marching bands at both high schools
Renee Harris • Boys volleyball and Girls modified lacrosse
Ronald Broas • Additional transportation for after-school activities at middle schools
The proposed Capital Improvement Project will enhance our schools’
Our Schools infrastructure; it includes a variety of key upgrades and repairs,
including: installing new ventilation and heating systems, providing
Brinckerhoff Elementary various upgrades to our athletic fields, classroom renovations, parking lot
Fishkill Elementary repairs, important safety upgrades, and much more. For a complete list
Fishkill Plains Elementary of proposed repairs and upgrades, please refer to page 4. On behalf of
Gayhead Elementary the BOE and District administration, we wish all of you well, and we look
James S. Evans Elementary forward to seeing our students receive their diplomas in June. Thank you
John Jay Senior HS for taking the time to review this information!
Kinry Road Elementary
Myers Corners Elementary
Oak Grove Elementary
Orchard View Alternative HS
Sheafe Road Elementary
Roy C. Ketcham HS
Vassar Road Elementary
Van Wyck JHS
Wappingers JHS

The mission of the Wappingers
Central School District is to
empower all of our students with
the competencies and confidence
to challenge themselves, to pursue
their passions, and to realize
their potential while growing
as responsible members of their

community.

2

Proposition 1: School district budget

Budget Total: $265,714,022 District Revenue

Administration 2021-22 2022-23 Revenue 2021-22 2022-23
Budgeted Proposed
Amount $23,128,111 $24,699,024 State Aid $69,087,510 $76,930,151
PILOTS $1,477,824 $1,452,871
General Support Interest
Continuing $45,000 $45,000
Building Administration Education
Tuition $150,000 $150,000
Employee Benefits 2021-22 2022-23
Program Health Services $299,000 $299,000
$100,000 $100,000
Amount $202,521,137 $210,790,600 Insurance Recoveries $150,000 $150,000
Refunds Prior Year $700,000 $700,000
Teaching Regular School $200,000 $200,000
Gifts & Donations $450,000 $450,000
Academic Intervention Medicaid $295,000 $295,000
Miscellanous $72,954,334 $80,772,022
Special Education Total Revenue

Occupational Education
Summer School
Alternative School
School Library, Computer Assisted Instruction

Pupil Services

Interscholastic & Co-Curricular Activites

Pupil Transportation

Interfund Transfers

Employee Benefits

Capital 2021-22 2022-23

Amount $30,754,319 $30,224,398

Operations & Maintenance

Interfund Transfers

Employee Benefits

FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY & SKILLED TRADES LEARNING ABOUT GOVERNMENT
The welding program at Van
Wyck JHS introduces students Earlier this year, Dutchess County Legislator Joseph Cavaccini
to trade-based skills, with hands- met with 8th grade students at Wappingers JHS. He talked
on learning opportunities in a about his path to becoming a Legislator, and explained several
safe, supervised environment. projects he’s working on to better our community. Students
In addition, the Technology were also able to talk one-on-one with him, making suggestions
Education classrooms at and asking questions. The
students noted that Mr.
Van Wyck are outfitted with mock walls, where students Cavaccini showed them
are able to wire outlets, light switches, and light fixtures. how one person can really
Following the success of the workspaces at Van Wyck, the make a difference and
district is currently planning to construct similar spaces at influence positive change
Wappingers JHS for the 2022-23 school year. in society.

3

Proposition 2: Capital Improvements

Background

• By law, the District must audit its facilities every five years. This year’s Building Condition Survey identified
approximately $75 million in repairs. Below is a list of the proposed repairs at a cost of $20,095,000.

Why is this separate from the school budget?

• By developing a separate proposition, the District will be eligible for State Building Aid: a reimbursement of
58.3% of the cost, which reduces the burden on the taxpayer. The project will be bonded over a 15-year period.

How were the improvements prioritized?

• The Capital Improvement Committee consists of Board of Education members, staff, the District architect, and
community members.The priorities were developed with additional input from parents, staff, and students.

SAFETY REPLACEMENT/UPGRADES

All Schools Install emergency kitchen RCK, John Jay Replace sound system at
appliance shut-off switch respective athletic fields
Sheafe Road Install fire-rated doors
Sheafe Road Replace heating and ventilation
Van Wyck, Replace asbestos floor tile in cafeteria and gym
Fishkill Plains

Fishkill Replace electrical panels and Van Wyck, Replace heating and ventilation
Facilities upgrade fire alarm systems Fishkill Plains building-wide
Vassar
Installation of parking lot Sheafe Road Add cooling to computer server
salt shed room

Relocate electrical Evans, Oak Grove, Replace kitchen hood
transformer WJHS, Fishkill Plains

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS & LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
John Jay, Facilities, Complete roof replacement RCK
District Office, Renovate auditorium,
OVAHS bathrooms, and art classrooms

WJHS Repave parking lots John Jay Add 500 bleachers
Renovate art classrooms
Oak Grove Replace parking lot and
Facilities sidewalks WJHS Replace auditorium seating

Conversion to natural gas Renovate home and careers
classrooms
Transportation Interior renovations

Approximate Impact per Household

Home Assessed Value Annually Monthly
$150,000 $13.76 $1.15
$350,000 $32.10 $2.68
$500,000 $45.86 $3.82

4

Proposition 3: bus replacement purchase

Vehicle Requests are Based on Student Need and Aging Fleet

Vehicle Type Number of Vehicles Cost per Vehicle Total
Being Requested
71 Passenger Buses: Diesel $119,339 $1,790,085
28 Passenger Vans: Gasoline 15 $59,899 $119,798
22 Passenger Wheelchair Vans: Gasoline $76,504 $76,504
20 Passenger Vans: Gasoline 2 $56,795 $227,181

TOTAL 1 $2,213,568
4
22

Replacing Vehicles in Our WCSD Fleet is Driven by Safety

Proposition 4: Givens Lane Lease

The Wappingers Central School District owns two parcels of land at Givens Lane in the
Village of Fishkill. In 2001, the District determined that the property was not useful
for school district purposes, and has since leased the property to the Village for $1.00
per year. The property is currently a public parking lot behind Fishkill Tire, providing

32 parking spots in a congested area. The Village
maintains and insures the lot at no cost to the District.
Since this arrangement has been mutually beneficial,
the District and Village propose to extend the lease,
with the same terms, for an additional time period
that will expire in September of 2041.

FFA: Future Farmers of America

John Jay High School’s FFA provides opportunities for Hopewell, the group looks forward to maintaining gardens
leadership, personal growth, and career success through and growing produce for
agricultural education. Members live the motto “Learning seniors in the community.
to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Notable activities include
plant sales, goat yoga, and
Serve.” Members’ primary a winter carnival. Best
interests include Plant and of all, FFA students can
Animal Sciences, Veterinary apply classroom science to
Science, Mechanics, and real-life situations and are
leadership skills such as public able to share interests with
speaking. Recently linked to the like-minded students.
East Fishkill Senior Center in

5

School District Budget Notice

Overall Budget Proposal Budget Adopted Budget Proposed Contingency Budget
for the 2021-22 for the 2022-23 for the 2022-23
Total Budgeted Amount, Not Including Separate Propositions School Year School Year *
Increase/Decrease for the 2022-23 School Year School Year
Percentage Increase/Decrease in Proposed Budget $ 265,714,022 $ 264,221,235
Change in the Consumer Price Index $ 256,403,547

$ 9,310,475 $ 7,817,688

3.63 % 3.05 %

4.7%

A. Proposed Levy to Support the Total Budgeted Amount $ 179,699,213 $ 181,192,000 $ 179,699,213
$0 $0
B. Levy to Support Library Debt, if Applicable $0 $0
$0 $0
C. Levy for Non-Excludable Propositions, if Applicable ** $ 179,699,213 $ 181,192,000
$ 6,884,679 $ 4,352,077
D. Total Tax Cap Reserve Amount Used to Reduce Current Year Levy $ 172,814,534 $ 176,839,923
$ 172,814,534 $ 176,839,923
E. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy (A + B + C - D)
$0 $0
F. Total Permissible Exclusions

G. School Tax Levy Limit, Excluding Levy for Permissible Exclusions
H. Total Proposed School Year Tax Levy, Excluding Levy to Support Library
Debt and/or Permissible Exclusions (E – B – F + D)
I. Difference: G – H (Negative Value Requires 60.0% Voter Approval –

See Note Below Regarding Separate Propositions) **

Administrative Component $ 23,128,111 $ 24,699,024 $ 24,416,962
Program Component $ 202,521,137 $ 210,790,600 $ 210,212,650
Capital Component $ 30,754,319 $ 30,224,398 $ 29,591,623

* Provide a statement of assumptions made in projecting a contingency budget for the 2022-23 school year, should the proposed budget be defeated
pursuant to Section 2023 of the Education Law. NYS sets for spending under a contingency budget. If proposition 1 is defeated the district may be
required to reduce the proposed expenditures by approximately 2 positions from the administrative component, approximately 2 positions from the
capital component, approximately 3 positions from the programmatic component, and the NYS facilities building project. In addition, the contingency
budget will remove the added budget items as listed: after-school late runs at the middle schools; instructional supplies; maintenance supplies; event
coverage; and tuitions.

** List Separate Propositions that are not included in Description Amount
the Total Budgeted Amount: (Tax Levy associated with Capital Improvement Project $ 20,095,000
educational or transportation services propositions are Bus Replacement Purchase $ 2,213,568
not eligible for exclusion and may affect voter approval $ 20
requirements) Givens Lane Parking Lot Lease
$

*NOTE TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS OFFICIALS: Please submit an electronic version (Word or PDF) of this Under the Budget Proposed
completed form to: [email protected] for the 2022-23 School Year

Estimated Basic STAR Exemption Savings1 $ 642.17

The annual budget vote for the fiscal year 2022-23 by the qualified voters of the Wappingers Central School District, Dutchess and Putnam Counties,
New York, will be held at the following schools: Fishkill Elementary, Fishkill Plains Elementary, Vassar Road Elementary, Wappingers Junior High,
Gayhead Elementary, and Myers Corners Elementary in said district on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 between the hours of 7:30am and 9:00pm, prevailing
time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting ballot or machine. For this vote only, voters who do not wish to appear at the polling place
due to the potential of contracting or spreading COVID-19 may request an absentee ballot from the Office of the District Clerk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
1. The basic school tax relief (STAR) exemption is authorized by section 425 of the Real Property Tax Law.

6

what’s happening in our schools

COLLEGE & CAREER CENTERS: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
College and Career Centers at both high schools offer a dedicated coun-
selor to help students plan for their future. At the Candy with the Counselor
program, students work through their questions in a group while filling out college
applications. In the ScholarCHIP Cookies Program, students receive help with the
scholarship search process. In-person College and Career Fairs also took place this
spring, focusing on both skilled trades and college choices.

STUDENT COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
The District is excited to have partnered with the Maria Fareri Children’s Healthcare Services at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital
on a special project. Kindergarten students at Fiskill Plains ES, Grade 4 students from Oak Grove ES, and students from the
Roy C. Ketcham HS manufacturing class are collaborating to design and manufacture a Rube Goldberg
Machine that will be donated to the hospital. A Rube Goldberg Machine is a complicated contraption that

completes a simple task (think of the old game
“Mouse Trap”). Students explored scientific
concepts, learned collaboration techniques,
and built empathy for the users (children that
might be sick or frightened). The final product
is expected to be completed and delivered to
the newly renovated space this spring.

STUDENTS SHINE IN SCIENCE OLYMPIAD RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Teams from John Jay and Roy Students in John Jay’s Science Research Program work with
C. Ketcham High Schools professional scientists at various universities. As they perform
competed at the annual Mid- research, they are able to ask questions and get advice. Some
Hudson Regional Science examples of student projects include: developing indoor
Olympiad Competition hydroponic techniques; studying
this year — in person once sleep and the effects of alarm
again! Both teams had a great showing, competing in various sounds on memory recall; using
team-based, collaborative events in Science, Technology, a radio telescope to measure the
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). John Jay’s 2nd place velocity of Earth relative to the
team went on to the NY State competition, winning medals Milky Way galaxy; and studying
in several team events. solar cooling methods.

7

WCSD Valedictorians & Salutatorians

John Jay Senior High School

Erika Huston • Valedictorian Jeffrey shah • Salutatorian

Erika Huston is proud to be the Valedictorian of Jeffrey Shah is honored to represent John Jay’s Class
John Jay’s Class of 2022. She would like to thank her of 2022 as Salutatorian. He would like to thank his
teachers, administrators, friends, teammates, and most family, friends, and teachers for their continued
importantly, her family for their ongoing support and and unconditional support. He is proud to be a
encouragement. She is also honored to be the Senior National Merit Commended Scholar and a recipient
Class President; she has enjoyed working with her of the Rensselaer Medal for Excellence in math and
advisors and officers to create lasting memories for science. Currently, he serves as the President of the
her classmates. Erika co-captained the varsity soccer team and plays year- Math Team, Co-President of the Math Honor Society,
round with Quickstrike FC. She pursues a variety of interests: playing the and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. Jeffrey has been a dedicated
oboe in Symphonic Band, earning her second degree black belt in Taekwondo, member of the Science Olympiad and Math Team for the past four years.
becoming SCUBA certified, and practicing calligraphy in her free time. She He was also the staff writer for the Future Business Leaders of America
is proud to be involved with her community, volunteering with the Dutchess and played the trumpet in the Concert Band. Outside of school, Jeffrey
County Office of Aging to serve lunches and interact with local seniors. Erika enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering at the East Fishkill
is excited to announce that she will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall Community Library. In college, Jeffrey plans to pursue a degree in computer
to study neuroscience. science concentrating on artificial intelligence.

Orchard View Alternative High School

Maria Fabrizio • Valedictorian Racheal Ragone • Salutatorian

Maria Fabrizio is extremely humbled to be graduating Racheal Ragone is proud to be Salutatorian of
a year early as the Valedictorian of Orchard View’s Orchard View’s Class of 2022. Racheal was the Vice
Class of 2022. She has worked very hard over the President of the Student Council her freshman year
course of her academic career, being nominated for and was active in a few other clubs. She looks forward
the Gilder-Lehrman Rise Prize during the 2020-2021 to attending college to pursue her hopes and dreams;
school year. She was awarded the Conklin Scholarship she plans to take a one-year break from academics
and will be attending Dutchess Community College before studying Neuroscience and possibly Character
in the fall, hoping to transfer to Cornell University to pursue a pre-vet Design or Animation at Dutchess Community College. Racheal hopes to
degree with her service dog, Max, by her side. All her life, Maria has had pursue a career as a neuroscientist while also being able to write books
a passion for animals and dreams of opening a veterinary and grooming or work on her artwork. She is overjoyed to have attended Orchard View,
facility that will collaborate with an animal rescue. She thanks the Orchard where she became friends with fellow students and teachers. She is truly
View staff and students for creating an amazing environment for her to feel thankful to the staff for helping her conquer challenges over the years and
welcome and grow as a person and will always look back fondly on these intends to continue doing her best as she continues her academic career.
formative years.

Roy C. Ketcham High School

Simrat Mangat • Valedictorian Annie Vallamattam • Salutatorian

Simrat Mangat is honored to be the Valedictorian Annie Vallamattam is honored to be the Salutatorian
of Roy C Ketcham’s Class of 2022. She has worked of Roy C. Ketcham’s Class of 2022 and is proud of
tremendously hard both inside and outside the how her hard work and dedication have paid off. She
classroom. Simrat is President of Interact Club, Vice was named a National Merit Commended Student
President of FBLA and Stock Market Club, Secretary and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Annie also
of Mu Alpha Theta/Math Team, takes part in both the participates in an array of extracurricular activities:
Spanish and National Honor Societies, and Science she has brought home six regional medals over her
Olympiad. In her free time, Simrat enjoys playing volleyball, volunteering three years as part of the Science Olympiad, is the proud Vice President
in the community, and being a peer tutor. Simrat speaks four languages: of the Math Team and Math Honor Society, helping her team qualify for
Punjabi, Hindi, Spanish, and English. She has won the University of Rochester sectionals, and tutors students through the Learning Center. A dedicated
Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, Marist’s Medal of Science, and is member of the varsity swim team, Annie has qualified for the Sectional
an AP Scholar. As an individual who values learning, Simrat has also taken Championships every year and was team captain for the 2021-2022 season.
college-level courses through John Hopkins University. Simrat plans to major She has been a distinguished All-League Athlete and also helped her relay
in biomedical engineering on a pre-medicine track with hopes of becoming a team break a school record. Annie will be studying computer science in the
doctor. This has been her dream since she was a young child. She would like to fall. She would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and community
thank her family, friends, and the RCK staff for their support. that helped shape her through her high school experience.

8

SPORTS, MUSIC & FINE ARTS

A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR OUR ATHLETES

FALL WINTER
Cheerleading Basketball, Boys & Girls
Cross Country, Boys & Girls Bowling, Boys & Girls
Field Hockey Cheerleading
Football Gymnastics, Girls
Soccer, Boys & Girls Indoor Track, Boys & Girls
Swimming, Girls Swimming, Boys
Tennis, Girls Wrestling
Volleyball, Boys* Unified Bowling
Volleyball, Girls SPRING
*Added if budget passes Baseball
Golf, Girls: District
Golf, Boys
Lacrosse, Boys & Girls
Softball
Spring Track, Boys & Girls
Tennis, Boys
Unified Basketball

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION

HIGH SCHOOL Advanced Art I & II
Ninth Grade Band Advanced Placement Studio Art
Concert Band Portfolio Development
Wind Ensemble Ceramics II & III
Symphonic Band Studio in Art Communications
Orchestra
Select Orchestra, Chamber JUNIOR HIGH
Orchestra Fine Art
Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir, Chorus
Chamber Choir Band
Acapella Groups Jazz Band
Jazz Ensemble Orchestra
Big Band General Music
Music Workshop ELEMENTARY
Music Theory I & II Art
Advanced Placement Music Theory General Music
Studio in Art Chorus: Grades 4-6
Photomedia Band: Grades 5-6
Media Arts II & III Orchestra: Grades 5-6
Photography II & III

9

In Their Own Words: BOE Candidates

Cheryl Migatz
I have three qualifications to offer district residents: Knowledge, Experience, and Dedication. The proud parent of two WCSD
graduates, I have been an educator for the past 40 years and currently teach composition at DCC. For the past 17 years, I have
volunteered with multiple PTAs, sat on several district committees, regularly attended school board meetings, advocated for dozens
of special education students, and lobbied for education reform. I have served on four boards of directors, three of which were
affiliated with educational programs. I also bring experience in curriculum development, personnel performance, and program review. We owe our
children a quality education, our staff fair compensation and working conditions, and our community transparency and accountability.
Virgil Capollari
As a Hudson Valley native, I have lived in the Wappingers District for over 10 years and actively support the development of our
students as future leaders. I currently work in the cybersecurity field. Previously, I served over 23 years (U.S. Air Force and Department
of Defense). I have led cross-functional teams and am well versed in rules, policies, procedures and budgets. As a current member of the
Dutchess County Veterans Affairs Committee and East Fishkill Veterans Board, I frequently utilize these skills. I strongly advocate for
parental and student choice, responsible spending, fiscal transparency and stakeholder accountability. Our students and educators deserve a safe and
dynamic educational environment. Our community deserves an accessible and decisive public servant who listens.
Ariana Dingman
As a parent of 2 Wappinger Falls students for 18 years, one currently attending––I have a vested interest in my community and
the education of our children. I have served on 3 WCSD committees, volunteered for The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie,
and have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I have an understanding of budgets and allocation due to owning my
own graphic design business. I support honest education in these challenging times. I will bring the same level of compassion,
commitment, and energy to WCSD to be a common sense advocate for all parents and students, and staff resources to help guide us to a
higher standard for our children’s education and to help insure their future success.

Keri Cahill
I am a current Wappingers Central School District Board of Education trustee. I won my first election in 2021 as an advocate
for parent’s rights and fiscal responsibility. I have lived and paid taxes in our district for over 18 years. I am a parent of 4
independently thinking Wappingers School District students. I am a career business and finance professional for the last 22
years. I am very passionate about parent’s rights. I am a strong proponent of the arts and our sports programs throughout our
district. I have a great appreciation for cost consciousness, fiscal responsibility and competing priorities. I believe that our teachers, nurses
and all staff should receive fair wages. God Bless the USA.
Marie Johnson
I have lived in Wappingers Central School District for eighteen years. The University of Phoenix is where I received an education in
business. My work experience is in retail, real estate, and hospitality of varying degrees.For the past eleven years, I have participated
in the following: PTA, Board of Education meetings, and district committees as a parent. As a board trustee I have served on:
Community Communications (Chair), Legislative Action, Wellness, Board Goals (Chair), Audit (Chair), Capital Improvement,
School Counseling Advisory. I believe that gaining a strong connection and communication with all members of our community is essential to an
effective working relationship. My child is a Special Education student and I think this gives me a unique perspective.
Daniel Peña
I’m Daniel Peña and I moved from Michigan after attaining my Ph.D. in molecular biology to the Hudson Valley with my wife
20 years ago. Since then I have been teaching the life sciences at various colleges in the area and also involved in Real Estate.
Currently I hold a full time faculty position at Westchester Community College. I am concerned about student preparedness for
higher education, parental rights and inputs over their children and transparency in the development of both curriculum and policies affecting
education. To get to know me better, go to: www.electdanpena.com.

Anthony Ciro DiLullo
My name is Anthony Ciro DiLullo. I am a God fearing, Christ believing, Christian. My faith defines who I am. I am running
for school board in an effort to impart local change and local action. I believe parents should retain control over their children.
I believe the education system has strayed from its mandate to educate. The curriculum is a cause for concern. It appears
the education system is focused more on ‘emotional learning’ instead of teaching the basics.Teaching the Constitution for
the United States is also of paramount importance. Students should know their Rights secured by the Constitution.Thank you for your
consideration, and may God bless you.
Eddy A. Sloshower
My wife and I have lived in East Fishkill for 19 years and have a Junior at JJHS. I’m an Independent Insurance Broker.
Accomplishments: Chairman - Capital Improvement & Legislative Action Committees; BOE Liaison - Local Municipalities;
Fiscal Responsibility; Advocate - Student & Parental Rights. Goals: Advocate - Vocational Programs; Fight - Unfunded
Mandates; Fight for Parental Choice, Funding - SPED, Mental Health & Safety. Academics is only one part of a child’s
education; extracurricular activities help develop students. I will protect and maintain full scale extra-curricular activities in
sports, music, drama, and the arts. I want to make sure that our teachers and other district employees have access to the best resources needed to
successfully do their jobs. I hope you will support my re-election on May 17th.

10

Connecting with our Community

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CIVIC
KNOWLEDGE
WAPPINGER: Wappinger Town residents are
invited to explore paid and unpaid internships in the The District has worked
town. Opportunities range from filing and scanning to build students’ civic
to graphic design and web page development. knowledge by partnering
Students may have the ability to earn credits toward with Town of East Fishkill
graduation. Contact Maria Giannos at 845-297-2744 Judge Brian Rudner. Once
or [email protected] for information. a month, the Judge opens
EAST FISHKILL: The Town of East Fishkill is his courtroom to students, giving them an opportunity
accepting applications until May 15 for two paid to ask questions before hearing the cases. Then, during
internships: one in Town Hall, and one in Buildings intermission, they ask questions about what they have
and Grounds (must be 18+). Preference will be given seen and heard. Students from both Roy C. Ketcham
to East Fishkill residents. Contact Gina Grippo at and Johy Jay High Schools have attended; at least five of
[email protected], or 845-221-4303. the students have been accepted into pre-law programs!

CONNECTING WITH THE LIBRARY A NEW eSPORTS TEAM

As a final project this year, the Van Wyck JHS In recent years, eSports have risen in popularity, offering
Multicultural Club created artwork focused on the college scholarships and intense competition. The
theme “Connect With Your Library.” They developed District has been working to develop a competitive
an intersecting puzzle, with each piece highlighting a eSports program for our high school students.
member’s favorite children’s book and their cultural This year, Contender eSports will host structured
identities. The piece will be displayed at the East Fishkill competitions, practices, and training opportunities.
Library Children’s Room through May. John Jay and Roy C. Ketcham High Schools will both
be hosting eSports club teams this spring. They will
compete against
other Dutchess
County schools,
and hold their
practices at
the facility.
The District is
excited to offer
this program.

11

WCSD NEWS Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 934
Newburgh, NY


Check Mailing Label for YOUR Polling Location

Polling
Locations

If you have a child who will be
5 years old by December 1st
or you know someone living in
the Wappingers Central School
District needing to register their
child for Kindergarten, please
have them visit our website
or call Central Registration at
845-298-5000.

Voters who do not wish to appear at the polling place
due to concerns about COVID-19 may request an absentee ballot.
Contact the District Clerk at 845-298-5000 ext. 40145 or [email protected]

Vote: May 17 • 7:30 am - 9:00 pm

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: MAY 14, 2022
10 AM - 4 PM (Rain Date: May 15, 12-4 PM)

Each year, the Wappingers Central grown to include a wonderful array get to celebrate and connect. We
School District has of music in beautiful Mesier spend time together and recognize
celebrated creativity Park. District-wide music the many wonderful ways in which
and the arts with the events, sing-a-longs, and bands our talented students interpret the
community at the largest can be heard from the
school-wide Festival of the gazebo, and our World world around
Arts in Dutchess County. Language Department them. The
The Art Department presents and celebrates caliber of
proudly displays artwork cultural dances. In recent their work is
in media including digital, years, STEAM tents outstanding
photography, ceramics, have arrived, and feats and their
drawing, and painting. Families of creative engineering, creativity is
can view their child’s artwork and without limit!
see the creativity and techniques robotics, and design now call We are proud
our students learn beginning in our Festival home. to bring the Festival of the Arts back
Kindergarten and culminating with The Festival of the Arts is an in-person this year and to celebrate
our Advanced Placement students opportunity for the entire the creative connections that bring
in their senior year. Our Festival has community to come together. Our us all together! Please join us to
families, students, faculty, and staff celebrate our students’ creativity.

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