Washingtonville - There's this summer camp at Taft Elementary School. It's called Camp Gan Israel, run by the Chabad-Lubavitch of Orange County. It's using the school for three weeks free of charge like other nonprofits this summer.
But it's only this Jewish camp that has sparked threats from taxpayers to derail the Washingtonville School District's revised $73 million budget, which comes up for a vote Tuesday.
Taxpayers think the Monroe-based Chabad is getting a free ride. Critics believe the camp - and any nonprofit group - should have to pay because the district can't afford to run buildings free of charge.
Some parents say the camp has allegedly turned away non-Jewish children, contrary to district policy, and will use fields, a playground and a kitchen, in addition to classrooms.
Here's what the Chabad wants taxpayers to know: Insurance, transportation, food and fun are being paid for through camper enrollment fees. The camp will provide lunch, but will not use the kitchen because it's not kosher. Roughly one-third of the 35 or so campers live in the district and three children attending are not Jewish.
Response to this inaugural camp has been so overwhelming that enrollment is closed and there's a waiting list, said the Chabad's Chana Burston.
"It's surprising to me," Burston said of the backlash.
That may be, but parents are demanding a policy change. Now, nonprofit groups can use school facilities, provided they have insurance and the event is open to the entire Washingtonville community.
Several groups will use district facilities this summer, including camps for lacrosse, wrestling and basketball, as well as Grace Community Church.
"It's a poorly written policy that leaves a lot open to interpretation and that's not a good policy," said Sandra Dominguez, Taft Elementary Parent Teacher Association president.
Superintendent Marilyn Pirkle said the policy committee will likely take up the issue, but changing it will take months and won't be in place for this summer. But a rejection of the budget would force fees to be imposed right now.
Taxpayers defeated the budget last month; Tuesday will be the district's second try.
If taxpayers vote no, the district would have to adopt an austerity budget, which would, among other things, force any group seeking to use a school facility to pay a fee. In the case of the Chabad camp, it would amount to $900.
Parent Phil Pignatelli thinks scrapping a budget over $900 is outrageous. That's why he offered to donate the $900 if taxpayers pass the budget.
"I beg you: don't vote 'no' on the budget because of this little issue. I can't see you being spiteful to our own kids," he said.
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