It’s up to state lawmakers now.

The Lexington-Richland District 5 School Board’s $187.3 million annual budget includes no tax increase.

But that will depend on what state lawmakers do about money for schools.

The state budget is not expected to leave a conference committee until late June.

If current financial projections fall short, the board may need to raise property tax millage up to 7.6 mills.

The budget reflects a $5.4 million, 3% increase over last year.

Lawmakers are expected to raise starting teacher salaries from $30,000 to $32,000 a year and cover higher state employee health insurance costs.

The budget provides for more interventionists to deal with potentially violent students. Other districts are taking similar actions.

The board revised its policy on public participation at meetings. The board will no longer provide written responses to citizens’ questions at meetings, and will not post answers to questions on the district’s web site.

The revised policy directs citizens to seek answers through the state Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Board member Jan Hammond voted against the policy change.