Evanston/Skokie School District 65 board members discussed on Monday proposed increases to the district’s $72 million operating budget for next year.

The district’s original 2000-’01 budget was proposed on Aug. 17, but board members were seeking to up the original figure by $1.5 million to almost $74 million.

The raise partially reflects a $325,000 increase in property tax revenue that came after money due in March was applied to the next budget year.

Board members agreed on most of the proposals, except for the treatment of plant and playground services.

Some board members said the district’s lawns should be mowed more than once a week and that the PTA should be reimbursed for any plants it purchases.

“It’s important the way our schools look,” board member Greg Klaiber said.

Board member Rosie Rees replied: “Where’s the money going to come from? Perhaps this is something we can discuss for next year’s budget.”

Another option the board discussed would mean promising the PTA that, if the district can’t pay for the plants, it will pay for their upkeep.

The board also included in the budget a study to determine whether the district needs new classrooms or schools.

The building feasibility study, which will cost about $30,000, is required by the state for the district to receive funding for new buildings.

The study “assesses every classroom and its components,” said Therese O’Neill, referendum projects manager for the district. “The state requires a detailed, by-classroom report.”

Rees added: “It’s really something we need to do. This is a detailed analysis. Basically we have to spend money to get money.”

The board is scheduled to vote on the budget at its next meeting at 8:30 p.m. Monday.

In other business:

• Shoreline Electric received a $452,300 contract to rewire the district’s classrooms and other instruction/support areas at the board’s Sept. 14 meeting.

• The board awarded a $45,000 bid to Northwest Ford for a pickup and a van.

• The board also approved electrical work for Dewey, Lincoln, Kingsley and Timber Ridge schools. The estimated cost of the work is $500,000.