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HERALD BEaCon
Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch
The world remembers Pope Francis
Special Series: S.S. Parkway
Page 2
Pages 10 & 11
VOL. 75 NO. 19
MAY 1- 7, 2025
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Photo courtesy Babylon school district
The Grade School and High School Mock Trial teams were honored at the board meeting for their performance at a recent competitiom at Suffolk Community College
Babylon School Board adopts budget, honors mock trial winners By ALENA BERENBLATT Correspondent
The Babylon Board of Education has adopted a proposed $64.4 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, which maintains current programming and includes enhance-
ments to district facilities, technology and security. The budget reflects a 3.49 percent increase from the previous year, or roughly $2.2 million. It also includes a 2.2 percent increase in the tax levy. A resulting 1.29% shortfall will
likely be covered using the district’s fund balance and reserves, according to Assistant Superintendent for Business Deirdre Lunetta. At its April 7 meeting, Lunetta told the board that persistent inflation, which has
outpaced allowable tax levy growth, remains one of the biggest challenges in balancing the budget. That challenge prompted the district to exceed the state-mandated tax cap in 2023. “Through careful analysis
and planning, we’ve been able to regain much of what the district lost,” Lunetta said. Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza said the district prioritized restoring positions eliminated following the May CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Lindenhurst Mayor Delivers State of the Village Address By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Recent accomplishments and upcoming initiatives on services, taxes, special projects and quality of life were the key points of Lindenhurst Village Mayor Michael Lavorata’s annual State of the Village address. Speaking to a crowd of about 100 residents at the Rainbow Senior Citizen Center on Buffalo Avenue April 22, Lavorata opened by reflecting on the purpose of the yearly update. “As a village, we take the time to reflect about where we have been, what we face and where we are heading,” he said. “It’s our annual check-in to cel-
employees at the seebrate our progress, acknowledge the nior center, calling the building “a lifehard stuff and recommit to the work that line where friendhas to be done.” ships are made, and laughter fills the Lavorata highlighted several rooms.” Among the vilcompleted projects, including the installage’s completed lation of fencing projects over the past year: around all village • Revitalization playgrounds to imof Wellwood Aveprove child safety. nue with new curb“Let’s face it, kids are fast,” he said. ing and parking en“One minute they are hancements. LINDENHURST MAYOR • Replacement of playing on a jungle gym, and the next bulkheading at vilMICHAEL LAVAROTA lage-owned properthing you know, they are across the field.” ties on South Fourth He also praised the work of and South Ninth streets.
Installation of a check valve on South Bay Street as part of ongoing flood mitigation efforts. “We want all of our residents, especially those living down south, to feel safe and protected in their homes and their communities,” he said. • Purchase of a new vehicle for the horticulture department. • Near completion of a new
Department of Public Works building with office space and storage. • Additional lighting at Shore Road Park soccer fields and improved handicap access at village parks. The village is also exploring the potential for public Wi-Fi in parks and outdoor spaces. Two major initiatives currently underway include reCONTINUED ON PAGE 9