Jericho School Board Proposes Tax Cuts and New School Rules

The Jericho Board of Education proposed four new property tax exemptions on October 29. The draft legislation targets surviving spouses of service members killed in the line of duty, senior citizens, and fully disabled veterans. If approved, these changes would reduce the tax burden for qualifying households.

The board scheduled a public hearing for November 19. A final vote is expected in December. Superintendent Robert Kravitz stated that the district has not yet set specific percentages for the exemptions available to disabled veterans and senior citizens. The proposal would exempt up to 50% of the assessed home value for surviving spouses of police officers, volunteer firefighters, and volunteer ambulance workers killed in the line of duty.

Kravitz noted that the exemptions would apply to individuals with an annual income between $47,000 and $58,400. Yani D., a Jericho resident and U.S. Air Force veteran, addressed the board regarding the provision for disabled veterans. She submitted letters urging approval after the public hearing. "Your decision has the potential to genuinely change the life of a disabled veteran and that veteran’s family," Yani said. She added that the exemption could help veterans establish homes and give their children access to the local school system.

The board also moved to adopt a revised Code of Character, Conduct and Support. President Sam Perlman explained that the new rules prohibit e-bikes and e-scooters on district property. Perlman said the board would adopt the code with the presumption that the ban remains in effect. Officials Victor Manuel and Michael Hahn will create signage to inform students of the restriction.

The revised code removes a clause colloquially known as "see something, say something." Perlman stated that the old language held students responsible if they saw someone with a weapon and did not report it. Under the new rules, a student who witnesses a weapon but fails to report it will not be held in violation of the code.

Superintendent Kravitz announced that the district is changing its milk vendor. The board identified Cream-O-Land Dairy as the source of several instances of spoiled milk during an October 8 meeting. The district will use an intermediate vendor while it seeks a permanent replacement.