Cape Henlopen School District proposes referendum for new schools

The Cape Henlopen School District continues to grow in terms of student population and officials say they need new schools to accommodate the growth. It would bump up taxes, so taxpayers will vote on it.

The proposal calls for the construction of a new H.O. Brittingham Elementary and Rehoboth Elementary on existing property as well as renovations and additions for Milton and Shields elementary schools. It comes with a price tag over $121-million.

District taxpayers would have to supply $48-million, which is 60%, the state would pick up the rest. Officials say it’s sound planning.

“We feel that this is definitely a need because of our growth. We’ve grown over 500 students in the past 5 years and all of our projections say that will continue and so trying to stay ahead of the curve,” said Robert Fulton, the Superintendent of Cape Henlopen School District.

If passed, taxes would reportedly go up an average of $74 a year per person. The referendum will come to a vote on Wednesday March 23rd at Cape Henlopen High School, Mariner Middle and Rehoboth Elementary from 10 AM until 8 PM.