The Babylon Union Free School District Board of Education has selected Brian Conboy as its interim superintendent of schools for the 2022-2023 school year. Mr. Conboy brings 38 years of experience in education to the role. He replaces Babylon’s former superintendent of schools, Linda Rozzi, who retired in July.

“My philosophy on education starts with a foundational statement: Every child can learn,” Mr. Conboy said. “There is always a way to meet a student where they are at on an individualized level.”

Mr. Conboy received his bachelor’s in elementary education from SUNY Geneseo and his master’s in elementary education and certificate of advanced study in educational administration from Hofstra University. He got his start in education in 1984 as an elementary school teacher for the Seaford Union Free School District, where he spent the majority of his career. In Seaford, he went from teacher to assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent of schools for curriculum, instruction and personnel, and superintendent of schools, a position he held for seven years until his retirement in 2017. Mr. Conboy would go on to serve two years as the interim principal of Massapequa High School beginning in the summer of 2018, and assumed the role of interim superintendent for that district in September of 2021.

Mr. Conboy is looking to continue the Babylon UFSD’s tradition of excellence in education, while also pushing it to new heights. “We are going to advance and do everything necessary to stay on the cutting edge of education,” he said. “In this field, if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward.”

In her outgoing remarks, Ms. Rozzi thanked the Babylon school community, and expressed confidence in the district’s well being for the coming school year. “Together, we’ve helped our district make tremendous strides. What began with a shared vison and a determined set of priorities years ago eventually drove our many successful outcomes, particularly our graduates who every year embody a healthy confidence to take on the world. It truly takes a team effort that warrants thanks,” she said. “I have truly enjoyed working with all of you as well as getting to know our incoming superintendent, Mr. Conboy. Together we have worked to ensure a smooth transition of leadership this fall.”

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the district and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.

Date Added: 8/8/2022

Babylon Junior-Senior High School’s theater class visited Babylon Elementary School second graders to perform condensed fairytales of good morals, anti-bullying, self-love and kindness. The theater class wrote, produced, directed and performed the material under the guidance of their teacher Mr. Storey. They even built their own set pieces and props.

Date Added: 6/30/2022

The sixth graders at Babylon Memorial Grade School had a blast shooting off their rockets in the field on June 13. During their math lessons, students learned about flight and aerodynamics as they built their own rockets. Classmates all looked on as the rockets took flight to see how high they soared.

Date Added: 6/29/2022

The perfect evening set the stage for the Babylon Junior-Senior High School Class of 2022 as they marched on to Coach Williams Memorial Field for their commencement exercises on June 24. Two by two, the seniors walked on to the field to “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the high school band.

Senior class vice president McKenzie Busch led the Pledge of Allegiance and Aidan Marrone sang a heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Bridget Hannon, senior class president and Alysa Watral, student council president, both offered their reflections to the soon-to-be graduates. “I’m proud of how far our class has become…from junior high school kids fighting in the cafeterias and locker rooms to today’s mature and level-headed people. Whether you can’t wait for the next chapter in your life to begin, or you’re desperately trying to stop this chapter from ending, stop for a moment and look around. Don’t forget to be grateful for all you have accomplished.”

Babylon Junior-Senior High School Principal Al Cirone spoke to the class about their perseverance and their willingness to face challenges head on. “The Class of 2022 has faced some great challenges,” he said. “Class of 2022…you give me hope that the choices you make will change the world for the better. I like to bank on hopes, ideals and positive qualities of this group. Continue to show kindness, empathy, generosity, integrity and passion and humility.”

Salutatorian Alexis Lewis thanked her teachers, family and friends for their support throughout the years and inspiring her love of learning. “Whatever you do next, please don’t forget to put your heart into it,” she said. “Be the person to reach out and help someone else. Be the person to step up to the challenge. Be the person to do the right thing, even when it’s scary. I think that the Class of 2022 will be remembered as the class who supported each other more than anything else.”

Valedictorian Kenneth Graham spoke about the enormous growth shown by the members of the Class of 2022. “The simple little steps have been what has changed us the most,” he said. “It’s not always the grand moments that change your life for the better. More commonly, it’s these simple little steps that will change you for the better.”

Babylon School District Superintendent of Schools Linda Rozzi told the students to take the time to reflect on their academic journey, which started with the tiny steps of a kindergartner. “As we see you here today, I see nothing but pride and confidence in you,” she said. “It has been an honor and privilege to have been part of your journey here in Babylon. Today concludes a significant and wonderful chapter of your life. Yet an equally significant and wonderful chapter is about to begin. A chapter replete with the adventures of entering adulthood.”

Prior to the presentation of diplomas, math teacher John Michele, who is retiring form the district this year, addressed the senior class. “There’s something amazing about energy level in a room filled with this group,” he said. “Your spirit and sense of excitement is almost palpable. You all have so many interests, thoughts and fresh perspectives. You’re honest, enthusiastic and very determined.”

Each student was called to the stage to receive their diplomas and well wishes from administrators and board of education members. After the conferring of the diplomas, the students were officially named graduates as they tossed their caps high into the air.

Date Added: 6/28/2022