Advocates Tuesday voiced concern for senior citizens about next Tuesday’s school district election seeking authority to raise $679,000.

“I think teachers need a raise just like everybody else, but, like I said, anybody that has a bill to pay deserves a raise,” said retiree Scott Henderson. “People that have low-paying jobs aren’t going to get a raise, but they’re going to have to pay more in taxes.”

About 30 people attended a Lawrence Chamber of Commerce forum at Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt., to discuss the election. The school board is seeking a 1 percent increase in its local-option budget, which is funded by local property taxes.

Board members have said it likely would add about $14 a year to the taxes on a home valued at $200,000. They have also said the extra funding is needed to help pay for employee raises and other programs, possibly the WRAP program that places Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center clinical social workers in some schools.

Lawrence schools Superintendent Randy Weseman said school districts are faced with pressure through federal and state mandates, such as for special education, which can increase costs. Also, the entire community has expectations about student performance and certain activities and classes schools should offer, he said.

“I can fill several rooms with people who are struggling, but at the same time, I’m also providing a lot of resources for those people who are struggling – their children, to try to break the cycle,” Weseman said.

He said if voters grant the board authority for the LOB increase Tuesday, it does not guarantee a net tax increase because it is possible he could recommend that other district mill levies, such as for capital or building projects, be decreased to offset the increase.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday for Lawrence school district voters.

Jim Mullins, a Lawrence resident who works for Americans for Prosperity, said local districts and taxpayers are struggling with funding issues because state legislators need to consolidate more of the state’s school districts.

Cletis Converse, a Hallmark Cards retiree, said she was concerned with facing increases in taxes and utility costs on her fixed income.

“It’s hard for us to make ends meet, really,” she said.