LAMOILLE — LaMoille Community Unit School District’s Board held a special meeting Monday night to discuss the 2013 tax levy, which will initially be lower than the 2012 rate. In addition, the agenda included discussion of a new STEM program for Allen and LaMoille Community School, which will bring several thousand dollars of federal money to the district’s students.

The new tax levy will be $5.51, down 20 cents from the 2012 rate of $5.71. The rate is lower because the board has been able to pay down its bonds, however, the rate could change. Superintendent Collette Sutton said, “Problems with state funds does not preclude the possible need to return to the higher rate.”

The board has also received a federal grant to bring a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (or STEM) program to the schools. Each school will have its own coordinator that will make various after-school education programs available to any student who wishes to participate. The coordinators are paid for with the grant money. The STEM program includes partnerships with IVCC and Star Rock Associates Vocational and Technical Education Center to make resources available to students that were previously inaccessible.