Shelter Island board adopts veterans' real property tax exemption

The Board of Education of the Shelter Island Union Free School District voted unanimously to adopt a Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption consistent with revisions to New York State Real Property Tax Law Section 458‑a and Section 458‑b. President Kathleen Lynch opened the public hearing and invited Superintendent Dr. Brian Doelger to explain eligibility and application steps.

Dr. Doelger told the board and public that veterans who qualify must submit the initial exemption application to Town Assessor Judith Lechmanski and noted the March 1 filing deadline for new claims. Resident Sean Clark thanked the board on behalf of local veterans, saying the exemption “is going to especially help our older veterans.” The board resolved to notify the Town Assessor so the exemption can be applied to the 2025 school tax rolls.Lede: The board held a public hearing and approved Resolution 5.1 to adopt the veterans exemption, extending benefits described in state law and local town provisions.

Nut graf: The action aligns the district with the Town of Shelter Island’s local law and state statute so eligible veterans and Gold Star parents may receive school tax relief. The resolution directs the district clerk to notify the town assessor to impact the 2025 tax rolls.

The resolution text approved by motion (agenda item 5.1) references New York Real Property Tax Law §§458‑a and 458‑b and explicitly extends eligibility to Gold Star parents as described in §458‑a(7). President Lynch closed the hearing at 6:08 p.m. and the board recorded the motion as carried unanimously.