Lawrence school district voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to allow the school board to increase its local option budget by 1 percent.

This would raise an estimated $679,000 for the 2008-2009 school district budget, and board members have said it would cost an extra $13.80 annually in property taxes for the owner of a home valued at $200,000. This special election will cost the district about $45,000.

Here’s a look at some commonly asked questions about Tuesday’s election:

What will I be voting on?

Voters will be asked – yes or no – whether the district should have authority to increase its local option budget from 30 percent to 31 percent of its total state financial aid.

The local option budget, or LOB, is funded by local property taxes. The state allows districts to collect from local taxpayers up to 31 percent of the money they receive from the state. Lawrence’s LOB is currently at 30 percent.

The Lawrence district wants to go up to the ceiling of 31 percent.

School districts’ funding from the state is based on enrollment. Districts have other funds that, by law, must pay for buildings and capital projects, but they can’t be used for salaries.

What will the additional money be used for?

The ballot says student and support services. Board members have mentioned using the money to give staff raises and possibly to help fund other programs, such as WRAP, which puts Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center clinical social workers in some schools.

But because the budget process is not complete yet, board members don’t know exactly how the money will be spent. That’s mainly because contract negotiations are ongoing with the Lawrence Education Association team. It represents the teachers.

Why is the district asking for it?

The district is expected to get about $1 million to $1.1 million in unrestricted funds from the state for next year, and that money can be used for salaries. But board members have said the extra money is needed to help supplement that, mostly to be able to give raises for the approximately 1,700 employees.

Board members also have said getting to the maximum LOB would allow the district to take advantage of certain state funds in the future, such as getting state aid to open new facilities.

When can I vote?

Voters can go to the polls 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. They can also can vote in advance from 8 a.m. to noon Monday at the Douglas County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse, 1100 Mass.