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Babylon Schools to increase spending 4.92 percent for the coming year The Babylon School District is proposing a projected tax rate increase of approximately 5.91 percent for the 2008 - 2009 school year. This figure could change, however, once state legislators finalize the school aid formula and the district receives final assessed value levels from the Town of Babylon in August. The increase in spending compared to last year's budget is 4.92 percent for a total budget for the coming year of $42.8 million. The school district presented its spending plan at a public meeting held Sat. morning March 29, in the High School Library. The board will vote on adoption of the budget at its next regularly scheduled board meeting, Mon., April 14, at the high school library. Professional salaries and fringe benefits continue to comprise the bulk of the budget (44 percent and 19 percent respectively). However, according to Peter Daly, PhD., assistant superintendent for business, the district is finally starting to catch a break on employer-mandated contributions to the teacher retirement system and on health insurance premium charges. Other significant details of the budget include nearly $50,000 increase for the acquisition of new text books for the High School, Grade School, and Elementary School. District officials said the increase is attributed to new text adaptations. This budget also seeks to hire two special education teachers, increase hours for the psychologist at the Grade School, and add a computer lab assistant. It would also restore two clerical positions and assistant varsity coach positions that were eliminated in last year's budget. School board member Henry Brunjes pointed out that the proposed budget includes about a 25 percent increase for maintenance expenses. This would cover some of the repairs not approved in the two previous bond improvement votes that failed, he explained. "The budget is still a work in progress," said board member Roget Katz. "The technology committee and board still have to look at this budget for some technology issues that are not reflected in it." If this budget is rejected twice by voters, then the district will be forced to implement a contingency budget of $41.5 million, resulting in a projected tax rate increase of 3.83 percent. A contingency budget would force the district to make program and/or staff cuts, said school officials. "This is a very responsible budget," said Best- Laimit. "We are doing right by the children and not making any cuts." Upcoming Board Meetings and Votes
The board will vote on adoption of the school spending plan for next year on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:30 PM, High School Library. The budget and trustee vote is set for Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the Grade School.
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