Schools need voter approval to tap taxes: Districts offer new programs, bring in top administrators.

Byline: Megan Boldt

Sep. 2--This school year, two Washington County school districts will ask voters to increase their property taxes to boost local education funding.

Stillwater and South Washington County will have operating levy requests on the November ballot.

In Stillwater, school officials are asking voters to renew a levy that brings in about $8.9 million a year and also to increase their property taxes by up to $5.1 million annually over the next six years.

South Washington will ask voters to renew operating levies that bring in $14.2 million annually. They are set to expire after next school year and in 2009.

Some districts are introducing new programs this year as well.

Mahtomedi will offer engineering courses at the district's middle and high schools, and South Washington County schools are adding art classes at all 14 elementary schools -- and three also will offer Mandarin Chinese.

These ballot questions and new programs are among things to watch for this school year, which begins with the first day of classes Tuesday. And some new principals and assistants will be waiting at school doors.

Here's a look at your area schools:

Forest Lake (District 831) / Forest Lake Area Schools is expanding efforts to prevent bullying.

The district will offer the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program at all of its schools. The program, which was in four Forest Lake schools last year, aims to improve relationships in schools and to limit the chances bullies have to act out.

Forest Lake Elementary…