February 14, 2025                                                                   
 
Update on Regionalization and Senior Citizen Tax Exemption
 
We wanted to take a moment to update the Kings Park Community regarding a couple of topics on which we have received some inquiries and on which we know there has been discussion in the community.
 
First, with respect to Regionalization, in responding to the handful of questions we have received and discussions we have had, it has been helpful to clarify the process.  Please click HERE (https://www.kpcsd.org/misc-presentations ) for a link to a FAQ document that the Board of Education asked Dr Eagen to prepare and present at the January 14th BOE meeting.  It represents the most common questions and concerns we have heard, along with clear answers and links to the source documents supporting those answers.  We know everyone has busy schedules and cannot always make our BOE meetings, so we wanted to make sure this information was more widely available.  It is also posted on the district website.
 
To be clear, as we discussed at the January 14th meeting, we have committed the district to nothing more than engaging in discussions.  Engaging in these discussions will not result in higher taxes, forced consolidation or the loss of local control.   In fact, participation in any program or opportunity that comes from these discussions would require our separate, affirmative agreement on a case-by-case basis – which we would only agree to if it was beneficial to Kings Park (e.g., opportunities for our students, cost savings, or both).
 
For anyone interested, you can find the link to the Strengths and Needs Survey that the district submitted in the News and Announcements section of the district website or by clicking on the following link: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/44660799
 
Second, with respect to the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption, we have received a handful of questions as to whether the BOE reduced the size or availability of the exemption.   As discussed at recent BOE meetings, nothing has changed with respect to our inputs on the senior exemption.  The Town of Smithtown has now confirmed to us that nothing has changed from the school district and we believe they are now giving out the proper information regarding this question.  There are, however, other inputs that can affect the computation for which the Town is responsible.  Foremost among these is any change to a taxpayer’s income for the year.  The school district does not have access to this information, nor does it perform or see the ultimate calculations.
 
However, the discussion has led to reflection as to whether there is more that we can do for our seniors.  As a result, at the February 11th BOE meeting, the board did unanimously vote to expand the senior exemption to the maximum amount allowed - increasing the applicable income level to qualify for this exemption from $29,000 to $50,000.
 
We thank those that have come forward to district administration or the BOE directly with any questions and welcome any further questions or comments on Regionalization, the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption, or any other matter concerning Kings Park Central School District.   Likewise, we are committed to providing updates as we move forward with these and other initiatives.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kings Park Board of Education