Press Release
May 12, 2023 – For Immediate Release
The Safety and Security of Our Students
Is Wappinger’s #1 Priority.
As the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, the Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) continues to work collaboratively with our local government and law enforcement agencies throughout the District.
A prime example of this collaboration, is the agreement that is being announced today amongst the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Wappinger to increase Sheriff’s and Town Patrols at all elementary schools in the Town of Wappinger. This development will ensure consistency among our 11 elementary schools throughout the 7 municipalities we serve. As you may be aware our Secondary Schools are assigned a School Resource Officer through either the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement agency. The District, our Town(s), County Government, and our local law enforcement agencies will continue to collaborate on this need as well as continue to work with our Mental Health Professionals. It is important to note that we have seen first-hand how these individuals have been very proactive in developing positive relationships with students, staff, and families, as well as utilizing their skilled training to respond to a student in crisis.
We would like to acknowledge the Wappingers CSD Board, Town of Wappinger Board, Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati, Town of Wappinger Supervisor Dick Thurston, and Town of Wappinger Deputy Supervisor William Beale for their very strong and ongoing commitment to provide a safe school environment that fosters teaching and learning for all of our students.
As the Wappingers CSD spends 1.8 million dollars annually on School Safety and Mental Health Services, Dr. Dwight Bonk WCSD Superintendent of schools continues to implore our Federal Representatives to recognize the need, now more than ever, to provide additional targeted funding for both School Safety and increased Mental Health Services for our schools. Our students, staff and our community deserve it!
We are here for your safety and protection.
Dr. Dwight Bonk WCSD Superintendent |
Richard Thurston Town of Wappinger Supervisor |
Kirk Imperati Dutchess County Sheriff |
William Beale Town of Wappinger Deputy Supervisor |