The proposed Babylon School District budget for 2009 - 2010, as presented at a community meeting on March 23 in the high school library, maintains all current instructional and co-curricular programs. The $43.8 million plan calls for a spending increase of about 2.46 percent, resulting in an estimated tax rate increase of about 1.59 percent. Thatcomputes to an increase of $2.93 per $100 of assessed valuation. However, the board sets the final tax rate in August, when the district receives final assessed valuations from the Town of Babylon.

"Thebudget needs to be developed with an eye toward the future. We don't know what will happen with the economy, unemployment, foreclosures," said Dr. Peter Daly, assistant superintendent for business. "Thisis not a one-shot deal. Next year can be as bad, if not worse."

Security and instruction for technology were two areas that received increased appropriations in the budget. Noting that one lab at the high school is outdated, administrator for curriculum and instruction, Daniel D'Amico, said the district plans to invest in a mac lab to serve students in video editing and graphics courses. The district is also moving forward with enhanced security measures, including an exit/enter card reading system for faculty.

The board's allocation of $1.3 million in fund balance to the budget and the retiring of one million in debt service in 2012, in addition to savings from teacher retirements and reductions in textbooks costs, savings with supplies, and subscribing to fewer BOCES services enabled the board and district staff to produce this near budget neutral spending plan. "We haven't seen an increase this low in 15 years," said Daly.

"Babylon's budget is actually 1.54 percent below the state education department's prescribed contingency budget cap of 4 percent," said Daly. A contingency budget would kick in after the voters defeated Babylon's proposed budget twice. The purchase of equipment is prohibitied under a contingency budget. "Under a contingency budget, technology would take a hit," said board member Roger Katz. "There is always a consequence of being on a contingency budget."

Theboard next meets on Mon., April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school library to vote on adoption of the 2009 - 2010 budget.