Rochester, MN (KROC AM News)  - The Rochester School Board wasn’t expected to make a final decision on the size of this fall’s operating levy until next month, but Tuesday night the board voted unanimously to put a $9.6 million dollar question on the November special election ballot.

The property tax increase is designed to  allow the school district to maintain existing programs through at least the 2019-2020 school year by boosting the existing operating levy to $837 per student, which would match the statewide average.

School officials welcomed the early decision, saying it would allow the school district some additional time to provide voters with information about the impact of potential budget cuts prior to the November 3rd vote.

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