Superintendent Susan Bunting speaks about upcoming current expense referendum

Indian River School Superintendent Susan Bunting hosted a meeting to explain an upcoming current expense referendum.

Citizens will have a chance to vote on the referendum, which could increase the current tax rate by 49 cents per $100 of the assessed value of each property. In total, it will be $95.41 per year for the average taxpayer.

If passed, the school district says the new money will be used towards school safety, student enrollment growth, technology, textbooks, and student programs.

The Indian River School District has 10,171 students and 874 teachers.

Bunting says the district is eligible to add 36 more teachers, but the current tax system doesn’t cover the additional payroll and they cannot add those teachers this year. The referendum would allow for future teachers to be added for the following year.

Voting for the referendum will take place November 22nd and if passed would take effect during the next school year.

Voting times will take place from 10:00 a.m-8 p.m. Polling places include: East Millsboro Elementary School, Georgetown Elementary School, Indian River High School, Long Neck Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School, and Selbyville Middle School.

Residents of the Indian River School District who are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote.