SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - The Indian River School District's current expense referendum was defeated by voters Thursday.
Unofficial vote totals show 5,700 for and 6,766 against the tax increase.
Voters in the Indian River School District headed back to the polls Thursday as the district asks for $22.5 million in additional funding to help cover rising costs and keep salaries competitive.
This is the district’s second attempt at passing a current expense referendum after the first one failed in March. Since fiscal year 2023, the district says it has faced annual budget shortfalls between $4.2 million and $7.3 million.
The district says cuts to staff and programs could follow.
Taylor Bullis shared her perspective as someone who works in the district.
"It's in the best interest of our students. I'm a substitute teacher for the Indian River School District, so I see every day what it takes to make our kids successful and to help them learn," Bullis said.
At the polls Thursday, Susan Markantone said she voted in support of the referendum.
"I voted for the referendum because I voted for my grandchildren," Markantone said. "They need the money to continue their education, and basically, because kids are our future, and if we don't educate them properly, then there is no future."
If approved, the referendum would raise property taxes by about $22.40 a month, or $268.88 a year, for the average taxpayer.
Michael Yeager said he was okay with the proposed increase.
"I don't mind paying additional money if I think that money is being used wisely and effectively," he said.
Others, like Laura Conrad, returned to the polls after voting in March. Conrad said her opinion has not changed.
"Until they start disclosing everything that they're spending money on, my vote is always going to be no," Conrad said. "I don't want no hiding around the bushes. I need to be straight with us. What they're spending the money for? If it's for the kids, that's fine. This other stuff they're spending it on is a no-go for me."