Tomah School District property taxpayers will face a 14 percent levy increase this year.

School district Business Manager Greg Gaarder presented the numbers during Thursday’s Tomah School Board meeting at the Robert Kupper Learning Center. The board set a special meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. in the school district office to vote on final passage.

The levy will be slightly higher than the one projected at the Aug. 10 annual meeting because state aid is slightly less than anticipated.

However, the tax rate on a $100,000 home is $17 less than projected at the annual meeting. Because two Tax Incremental Finance Districts in the city of Tomah were retired, property values in the district rose by six percent instead of the projected three percent. The levy will still be $55 more than 2008-09.

In other business, the board agreed to schedule modifications at Tomah High School to accommodate standardized testing for sophomores. The schedule would be similar to the one last year, when all students were put on a late-start schedule. Sophomores reported to the testing areas, while freshmen, juniors and seniors reported to assigned areas for special activities.

Sophomores will take the test on Nov. 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11.

Those who score “advanced” or “proficient” on the test, pass all their courses, have no unexcused absences and display good citizenship can opt out of two core final exams if their parents approve.