SELBYVILLE, Del. - The Indian River School District will hold its second current expense referendum on Thursday, June 5, asking voters to approve $22.5 million in additional funding to cover rising operating costs and maintain competitive salaries for staff.
Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens emphasized the urgency of the referendum, citing unsustainable budget deficits that began in Fiscal Year 2023 and have ranged between $4.2 million and $7.3 million annually.
“This is an extremely important referendum for the future of the Indian River School District,” IRSD Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens said. “Without additional local revenue, we will face difficult staffing decisions and potential impacts to our academic, athletic and extra-curricular programs. Our operating expenses are increasing at a rate that is simply not sustainable if we are to continue to provide quality educational services to our students."
The March 20 referendum failed with an unofficial vote tally of 4,749 in favor and 5,424 against. Some people that spoke with CoastTV said they voted for the referendum when it came to teacher's jobs, others voted against it because they don't have kids in the school.
The district last held a successful current expense referendum in 2017. Since then, the school district cites: rising costs in utilities, student transportation, mental health services, substitute staffing and mandated charter and choice school payments as a reason for strain on the budget. Due to this, the district has already reduced educational services and has decreased staffing districtwide.
If approved, the referendum will result in a tax increase of $0.0559 per $100 of assessed property value, which correlates to an increase of $22.40 per month or $268.88 per year for the average district taxpayer. The first referendum, held on March 20, proposed a tax increase of $1.2105 per $100 of assessed property value if passed.
Residents can call a Referendum Hotline at (302) 436-1079 or email questions to referendum@irsd.k12.de.us.