On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, the West Babylon Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution to present a capital projects bond referendum to the community for a public vote on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015.

The amount of the proposed bond is $29,953,754. The district anticipates receiving 64.6 percent in New York State Building Aid, thereby significantly reducing the cost to district taxpayers. It is anticipated that the cost to the average homeowner will be $96 per year, or approximately $8 per month. New homeowners moving into the community will also pay their fair share of the cost of the bond referendum.

If approved by voters, the proposed bond would cover the cost of major repairs and renovations throughout the district, including refurbishment of roofs; bathroom renovations; improvements to the electrical and heating systems; renovations to parking lots, curbs and sidewalks; installation of a synthetic turf field at West Babylon Junior High School and a synthetic turf field and baseball infield at West Babylon Senior High School; renovations to locker rooms; improvements to interior and exterior site lighting to enhance security; repairs to building masonry; and ceiling tile and floor replacement.

Due to the New York state-mandated property tax cap, major repairs and renovations covered under the proposed bond can no longer be included in the annual school budget without exceeding the tax levy cap or negatively impacting instruction and programs for students.

“The Board of Education recognizes that in order to preserve the community’s investment in our facilities and provide a safe, supportive environment for our students, major repairs and renovations are needed,” said Board of Education President Lucy Campasano. “After analyzing every option, we know this work needs to be done. Fortunately, the district is eligible to receive 64.6 percent in New York State Building Aid, so community residents will in fact be paying 35.4 percent of the total cost.”

Between now and the Jan. 13, 2015 bond referendum vote, community residents will receive information about the details of the scope of work and will be invited to attend one of several community forums, where the proposed plans will be discussed and the community will have an opportunity to ask questions.