Voters in the Babylon School District will head to the polls to decide on a proposed $64,359,027 budget for the upcoming school year and to elect two members to the Board of Education. The proposed spending plan represents a 3.48% increase from the current $62,192,921 budget.

The proposal includes a tax levy increase of 2.2%, raising it from $47,780,667 to $48,830,574. According to district officials, this increase is equal to the district’s 2.2% tax-cap limit and will require a simple majority vote for approval.

Regarding staffing and programs, the budget incorporates a 1.25% actual increase and step increases for teacher salaries. It also funds several new positions, including a speech pathologist, one special education teacher, and one Spanish teacher. Additionally, the budget allocates funds for an eventual HR administrator and clerical transportation staff. The district has stated there are no proposed reductions to current staff levels or programs.

In the race for the Board of Education, three candidates are vying for two available at-large seats, each carrying a three-year term. Incumbents Ari McKenzie and Donna Noesi are running for re-election, challenged by Deborah Payton-Jones.

Interviews with the candidates can be found at The Babylon Beacon. Meet the candidates in your local school board races

Voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Babylon Jr. Sr. High School, located at 50 Railroad Ave.