WEST BABYLON, NY — West Babylon School District voters approved the district’s proposed $141,539,066 budget for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday, along with two capital propositions and Board of Education races.
The budget passed 988-356.
The approved spending plan represents a $5,388,946 increase over the current year’s $136,150,120 budget, or 3.96 percent.
The approved tax levy increase is 2.21 percent, which district officials said is within the allowable tax levy limit.
District officials said the budget was developed to support academic programs, maintain safe and secure schools and remain fiscally responsible.
The budget maintains academic, athletic and extracurricular programs based on student interest, while supporting expanded learning opportunities through the Senior High School Alternative Evening Program and reinstating the Academic Center at the junior high school.
The spending plan also includes increased funding for student field trips, support for the Students Accelerated in Learning program, musical instruments, art equipment, cybersecurity infrastructure, special education needs and a transfer to capital funds for a new public address system at the high school.
According to district documents, the budget includes $119,897,513 for program costs, $14,104,765 for capital costs and $7,536,788 for administrative costs.
The district anticipates receiving $46,712,759 in state aid, up from $45,073,686 this year.
Propositions
Voters also approved two capital propositions.
Proposition 2, the junior high school capital project, passed 1,004-326.
The proposition authorizes the use of remaining funds from the 2022 community-approved bond for improvements at West Babylon Junior High School, including reconstruction and reconfiguration of tennis, basketball and handball courts, drainage improvements and related site work.
Proposition 3 passed 1,032-299.
The proposition authorizes the use of up to $4.5 million from the district’s 2023 capital reserve fund for projects including districtwide fire and burglar alarm panels, ceiling tile and lighting replacement, and additional parking at JFK and Tooker Avenue elementary schools.
District officials said both capital propositions carry no additional cost to taxpayers.
Board Of Education Election
Voters also elected candidates to three at-large seats on the school board.
Patti Neville received 915 votes, Michael Rosenberger received 884 votes and Franklin Medina Jr. received 813 votes, securing the three available seats.
Medina and Neville are incumbents. Rosenberger ran for the seat held by Cathy Gismervik, who did not seek re-election.
District officials said election results remain unofficial pending certification by the district clerk.
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