Lawrence school board members are still planning their public relations campaign on the April 1 election asking for more than $600,000 in extra funds.

But rather than identifying a list of possible specific expenditures during their Monday night meeting, board members acknowledged they will try to provide information to voters about the budgeting process and state school finance law.

Board members are seeking to add an extra 1 percent authority to its local option budget, or LOB, which would equate to about a half-mill property tax increase.

In earlier discussions, board members have mentioned needing the money to fund employee salary increases and possibly the WRAP program, which places Bert Nash Community Health Center clinical social workers in some schools. But if the increase passes, board members would approve expenditures later.

The ballot will say the money is for “student instruction and support services.” One board member mentioned that most of the funding will be to give raises to current employees.

“We need to be competitive. We’ve made strides, but we’re not there yet,” Craig Grant said.

The board has just begun negotiating next year’s contract with the teachers association, and Lawrence Education Association leaders have said they will work with board members and administrators to lobby support for the LOB increase.

“Being the teachers, we know that we live in a community that supports the students and supports the teachers,” LEA President Adela Solis said.

Board members have estimated the owner of a $200,000 home would pay about $14 more per year if the LOB increase passes.

Administrators have presented the plan as a way to supplement about $900,000 in unrestricted funding the district is expected to receive in the third year of a state plan.

Board members said Monday night that talking points they prepare should include how the district is mandated to spend certain funds and why funds for capital expenditures and buildings cannot be used for salaries.

“It’s clear to me there’s a lack of understanding of the separation of the capital funds versus the general fund,” board member John Mitchell said.

Scott Morgan, who along with Mary Loveland voted in January against putting the question on the ballot, asked about the district going before the public without identifying a specific need.

“I’m just trying to sort through the best way to sell this thing,” he said.

Linda Robinson, the board president, said administrators will provide board members with more information to form into talking points. “The bottom line is we’re doing what we need to do to keep this district moving forward,” she said. “If it doesn’t pass then well have to do some cutting. We’ll be back on the chopping block again.”