The Wallkill Central School District Board of Education set the district’s 2026-27 tax rate, reviewed summer capital improvement work and approved several administrative personnel changes during its Aug. 19 meeting.

The board set the 2026-27 school tax rate at $15.06 per $1,000 of true value, based on the district’s voter-approved $96,125,875 budget.

Board President Thomas Frisbie reported that capital project work is progressing well and generally remains on schedule. One portion of the project has been delayed after crews encountered soil issues, compounded by recent rain and muddy conditions.

Despite the challenges, officials said considerable progress has been made and expressed hope that the work will be completed before school opens. Because the delayed work is outside the building, officials said it should not interfere with the start of classes if it is not completed in time.

Other capital project work remains on schedule.

As part of the district’s ongoing capital improvement project, the board awarded a $25,000 contract to Advance Testing Company Inc. of Campbell Hall for special testing services.

The board also accepted two donations.

Orange County Pools and Spas donated a cold plunge tub valued at $22,298 for use at Wallkill Senior High School. The district also accepted approximately $3,000 worth of brass and percussion instruments and equipment for its music program.

Board members approved both donations and thanked the donors.

New policies adopted

The board adopted two policies following review by its Policy Committee.

Policy 7402 addresses cellphones, while Policy 7521 concerns the Athletic Placement Process. The board approved the first readings, waived a second reading and adopted both policies.

Committee assignments have also been established for the 2026-27 school year, with regular committee reports expected to begin in September.

The district’s student representative to the Board of Education is expected to be sworn in at the Sept. 16 meeting.

YMCA programs approved

The board approved use of the district’s three elementary schools by the YMCA of Middletown for before- and after-school programming during the 2026-27 school year.

The YMCA will use cafeterias at Plattekill, Leptondale and Clare F. Ostrander elementary schools for morning and afternoon programs, as well as all-purpose rooms for after-school activities.

The programs are scheduled to operate on school days from Sept. 8 through June 24, with morning hours from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and afternoon hours from 3 to 6 p.m.

The board also approved use of the John G. Borden Middle School gymnasium for an over-35 men’s basketball program and use of the middle school parking lots by the Senior Celebration Committee for a September fundraiser.

With summer construction progressing and staffing appointments continuing, the district is completing preparations for the start of the 2026-27 school year.