Babylon School Board business...

Items from the Jan. 11 Babylon School Board meeting.

•Faculty from the Practical Arts department opened the board meeting with a presentation on the financial literacy courses offered at Babylon Junior-Senior High School. In one course, students use a virtual simulation game to manage their time, career, money, and personal life.

•Board members voted to amend the Interscholastic Athletics Handbook and not require a parent member sit on the Varsity Sport Committee. Dissenting, was board member, Roger Katz, who does not agree with the amendment. “Lack of an independent parent on the committee leads to less credibility. This policy has been in force for only one year and we need a longer test,” said Katz. The committee reviews recommendations for seventh and eighth grade students to play on a varsity level and each child’s readiness, both physical and emotional, to play at this more competitive level.

•Resident Ron Lasky commended board members for their diligence in holding the tax levy increase to just over one percent this past budget year. In the past, Lasky has asked the board to comment on the yearly tax increases that residents have absorbed, totaling nearly 66 percent since 2001. “It’s important that we maintain a good rapport with community and maintain that open door policy,” said Lasky.

Resident Eileen Berry asked the board members and district staff to consider the use of the Connect Ed telephone alert system to inform taxpayers about upcoming board meetings and topics on the agenda. Superintendent Ellen Best Laimit, Ed. D. relayed that there are concerns about intrusiveness and use of the system is limited to student functions. Berry countered that the system was used recently to announce the school play and to welcome grade school students back to school after the holiday break. “I think that is intrusive,” said Berry. School board president Judy Anderson said the board will work on getting more timely meeting information onto the website.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Babylon Memorial Grade School.