Dear Editor: I could not agree more with your recent editorial calling for restraint on school district spending during the current economic crisis. Apparently not all districts are responding positively to your plea.

The West Babylon School Board voted on Tuesday April 14, 2009 to increase spending on a non-mandated 9th period program. The new program, included in the upcoming budget vote, will cost residents between $600,000.00 and $1,000,000.00 in new spending depending on who you talk to in the school administration. Theprogram will only supply enrichment programs, meaning they will not help a student reach New York State graduation requirements or assistance for students struggling in any of the core study requirements. Courses being offered in the 9th period program are only meant to provide course study for areas of interest for the high school students. You can argue the point that it's not the responsibility of the district to provide an individualized course of study for each and every student. Some will say it's OK to do this while others will disagree. It is our opinion that the individual taxpayer/voter should have a say in spending so much money during such tough times. At prior budget hearings and again at the Tuesday meeting we suggested that the district place two propositions on the ballot this year, one would cover the basic budget and the second proposition would cover the $600,000.00 plus in new spending for the ninth period program. TheBoard of Education and the Administration did not respond positively to our request. We urge every eligible voter in the West Babylon School District to come out for the budget vote on Tuesday, May 12th to let your elected school board and administration know if you want to spend so much money during such tough times. William H. Hill, President West Babylon Taxpayers Association