Lindenhurst School District is considering a move that would give a tax break to about 1,000 homes occupied by veterans.

The school board is considering relieving those homeowners of paying anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of their property taxes. It also means non-veteran families will have to shell out an extra $40 to $110 each year.

The break would include a basic 15 percent exemption for those who served during war and another 10 percent for servicemen and women who served in combat zones. Added reductions are on the table for those who returned home with disabilities.

The Lindenhurst school district discussed the exemptions at a workshop at the McKenna Administration Building on Daniel Street Tuesday night where emotions ran high.

"I paid a little more. I paid some blood for my country and I'm proud to have done that," said Richard S. Tibbetts, a Vietnam War veteran.

Tibbetts believes the time has come for tax breaks for veterans. Others said the exemptions should have tighter regulation.

Dennis Garbo, a reservist now retired, believes the tax break should be based on people's specific needs.

The school board will vote on the proposed tax exemption next Wednesday at the Harding Avenue School at 8 p.m. A majority vote is needed to pass the exemption.