N. Babylon BOE Finalizes 2013-2014 Budget

The North Babylon Board of Education finalized the 2013-2014 budget the school district's resident will vote on, presenting a $112 million budget and a tax levy of 3.4 percent.

The district's proposed budget takes into account roughly $1 million in state aid expected to be given to the district. North Babylon faces over $3.6 million in contractual obligation increases from teacher and employee retirement systems and benefits for current staff.

The proposed budget will raise the tax rate per $100 of assessed value to $184.24, or about 3.88 percent higher than the 2012-2013 year.

"There are no options to trim the budget," noted Superintendent Patricia Godek. The district had already cut 68 instructional positions since the 2009-2010 school year and class sizes throughout the district in the elementary and middle schools were at their maximum.

Other additional positions, including coaching positions and directors for math, science and technology were also previously cut.

The district has previously announced its plan to continue "building the future" by investing in the children. The district aims, with the presented budget, to hire four more elementary school teachers to equalize class sizes as well as continue upgrading the technology throughout North Babylon.

The district is also looking to add security upgrades through personnel and cameras with additional funds in this budget.

The budget vote takes place on Tues., May 21 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.