The South Eastern school board recently voted to apply for exceptions that would allow it to raise taxes above its state-assigned tax cap in 2013-14.

The state has assigned the district a 2.2 percent cap on property tax increases for next year's budget.

But school districts can apply to exceed that cap if they can point to expenses beyond their control, such as large increases in special education costs.

Superintendent Rona Kaufmann emphasized that South Eastern's decision is only "as a safety net" and the preference is to have no tax increase.

Last year, the district raised taxes by 1.7 percent, which was below the taxcap.

That was an increase of about $35 on a home worth $100,000.

District officials expect to provide more information on next year's budget soon.