Indian River School District hosts current expense referendum

Indian River School District hosted one of their public referendum meetings on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, in which it was their sixth of the seven meetings.

These meetings are hosted at different schools across the area and each meeting has district officials present the referendum initiative, as well as have it open to the public to have the opportunity to ask questions.

The Indian River School District needs money due to the expanding number of students. With this growth, it also leads to the need of teachers, desks, and supplies for students.

The funding would come from Sussex County taxpayers. Superintendent Susan Bunting tells 47 ABC of the 49 cents that they are asking, 33 cents would go to student growth enrollment, 10 cents for safety, three pennies toward technology, two towards textbooks and one for student organizations.

Those cents would come from property taxes. Bunting says not only would they be able to add more teachers but the money would also continue funding the 15 armed school security monitors and five school resource officers.

Bunting states that the average homeowner property owner in their district has an assessed value of $19,472 19. The average home owner will be looking at a $95.41 increase in his or her taxes for the next tax year, if the referendum passes.

Bunting tells us they have been holding public meetings and advertising the upcoming referendum for weeks, but it’s empty chairs like the ones we saw at the meeting, that have her concerned.

Wednesday’s meeting, much like others, has received little attendance.

Bunting tells us if the referendum doesn’t pass, they will have to let go about 10% of their staff for the following year.

Voting will take place for the referendum Tuesday, November 22, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Residents of the Indian River School District must be at least 18 years of age to vote. The polling places will be located at: East Millsboro Elementary School, Georgetown Elementary School, Indian River High School, Long Neck Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School, and Selbyville Middle School.