Board of Ed. Votes Down Bus Request, Accepts Donation

The Babylon Board of Education voted down a measure that would have allowed school buses to pick up and drop-off a child along the route, citing the child's home was within the bus limits.

The measure, based upon what was cited as a "hardship," failed to pass after a 6-1 vote against the measure was taken. Board member Alena Berenblatt was the only member to give her approval to the proposed measure.

The measure originally noted the "child does not live beyond the bus transportation limits," which meant the student was not already eligible for transportation services within the school district.

"We're not trying to be heartless," said Board Vice President Lisa McKeown later in the meeting when a parent questioned the decision. "We would be breaking the law if we did it."

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Board members defended their votes noting the board's attorney said they would be in violation of laws approved by district voters by giving the child transportation. In order to legally approve the action, the entire district's voters would need a referendum and vote on the measure.

"This is not something we wanted to do," said Board President Dominic Bencivenga to the questioning parent. "There isn't anyone on this board who did not want to vote yes. But we had to take the advice from our council."

Bencivenga suggested later during the meeting the board would look into proposing changes to the law to try to better serve the district's youngest students.

Board Accepts $10,000 Donation

The Board of Education also passed a resolution accepting an anonymous $10,000 donation. Bencivenga said the donator had one request for the donation – the funds be used to help the lunch fund for the district.

Other Measures Voted Upon and Discussed

• The board passed a measure approving an agreement between the Babylon Administrators' Association and the Board of Education to execute a new collective bargaining agreement. Terms included salary increases next school year (2013-14) and the following year (2014-2015) of 1.5% each year. No increase to salaries will be given to administrators this year.
• The board approved several appointments of substitute teachers, aides and monitors, substitute nurses and casual appointments to extra curricular positions for the 2012-2013 school year.
• A parent brought up the question of who exactly were allowed on sidelines of school sporting events. The discussion between the parent and board continued for roughly 15 minutes, with board members noting the discretion was up to the Athletic Director and coach. All coaching appointments must be approved by the Board of Education.