WB Schools finalizing new budget 

By Carolyn James

     The West Babylon School District budget process is moving forward, and the

district outlined the fifth draft summary, showing a proposed budget for the coming year of $89.7 million.  While school officials said the figure is likely to be reduced as the board continues to review line items, and as state aid figures firm up, the proposal represents an increase in spending of $5.4 million, year to year.

            School officials also met with members of the West Babylon Taxpayers Association (WBTA) this week. The association has held information meetings on the budget and has asked the district to reign in costs.

            “I am optimistic that the district can come in with a proposal that is no higher than the CPI percent,” said William Hill, WBTA president. “The state has come in with some more aid and we have asked that the district bring in a budget that is near or under the cap of 4 percent being proposed at the state level.

            The district also agreed to put comprehensive budget information on its website, another issue that the WBTA raised with the district. “People are out working and supporting their families and particularly during these tough economic times, they can’t always get to the budget meetings,” said Hill. “We appreciate the response we have gotten from the district on these important issues.”