South Bay Elementary Reopened For The New School Year

Senator Owen H. Johnson joined the West Babylon community in celebrating the South Bay Elementary School reopening on September 6, 2011 at 160 Great East Neck Road, just one day before students began their new school year.  

“I applaud the cooperation and around the clock work that took place at South Bay Elementary over the past year,” Senator Johnson said.  “The outcome is impressive and I join in welcoming our students as they begin the school year in their new classrooms.”  

On February 18, 2010, two of the three wings that make up South Bay Elementary School were completely destroyed by flames so intense that they collapsed hallways and forced the fire chief to pull firefighters out of the facilities.
 
Renovations done to the building include a new steel roof throughout the building and the installation of fireproof walls that make the building a safer place for children.  Many damaged items that were inside the building are in the process of being replaced.  Over $100,000 has been dedicated to purchase new books for the library.

The District will hold a school board meeting at South Bay Elementary School on September 27, 2011 and will use that opportunity to showcase the building and thank the people and organizations that have helped them recover from the fire.


Photograph left to right:  Steve Bellone, Supervisor, Town of Babylon; Corinne Disomma, Receiver of Taxes, Town of Babylon; Tony Cacciola, Superintendent of Schools, West Babylon Union Free School District; Owen H. Johnson, NY Senator; JoAnn Scott, Principal, South Bay Elementary School; Pat Farrell, President, Board of Education, West Babylon Union Free School District; Wayne Horsley, Suffolk County Legislator; Lindsay Henry, Councilman, Town of Babylon; Tom Donnelly; and Tony Martinez, Councilman, Town of Babylon.