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Babylon school budget passes Babylon Village residents voted on Tuesday, May 20, to approve the school district's $42.7 million spending plan for next year by 174 votes. The final tally was 865 votes for the budget and 691 votes against the budget. Unchallenged incumbents Judy Anderson, Henry Brunjes and Roger Katz were elected to three-year terms. Babylon Schools Superintendent Ellen Best-Laimit PhD said this was a rather unusual budget season in that no one was really talking about school budgets in many local communities. "We weren't hearing any buzz," she said. The lack of discussion did not affect budget outcomes, however, as the majority of Long Island's school districts passed their budgets. Best-Laimit feels that despite the lack of "talk about the budget," voters came to the polls much more informed and educated. This may have been the case in Babylon Village, where the school district held numerous community forums and informational meetings for the public throughout the budget process. "I am thrilled that the budget passed. I look forward to seeing our board of education focusing on our children's education, said resident Lisa McKeown. Still, there were other residents who felt they just couldn't pull the "yes" lever, given the double-dipping controversy currently surrounding school administration island-wide. Residents' frustration on this issue is compounded by the ever-increasing school property taxes. With this approved budget, Babylon's school tax rate will increase by $8.50 for every $100 of assessed valuation. A home assessed at $4,600 will now pay $8,288.92 next year in school taxes or approximately $390 more than last year. During the polling hours, Babylon students had an opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite lunch time fruit, vegetable, and snack. Through a Democracy in Action program sponsored by the district, Grade School and Elementary School children signed in and then had the opportunity to vote using an actual voting machine. According to the district, 401 children voted election day, with another 200 children casting their ballots the next day in school. The results: favorite fruit- grapes, favorite vegetable- salad, favorite snack - popcorn. These winners will be included in next year's school menu. "We wanted to do something for the kids," said Best-Laimit. "The program was a real success, because they voted on something that mattered." Best-Laimit said the additional voting machines were a minimal expense to the district.
"The community here in Babylon is tremendously supportive," said Best-Laimit. "I thank them for that."
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