Referendum for possible tax increase to be held Tuesday

The Indian River School District is expected to host an expense referendum on Tuesday, seeking additional local funding.

There is a proposed tax increase of 49 cents per 100 dollars of assessed property value.

Funds would go toward school security programs, technology and textbooks, among other needs.

At a press conference Friday, officials made it clear the referendum is not related to an audit released Thursday. The audit reported financial misconduct allegedly from the district’s former chief financial officer, Patrick Miller.

Miller was placed on administrative leave in April before resigning later in the summer.

Dr. Susan Bunting, superintendent of the Indian River School District, says the need is in reference to the growing number of students.

“Our referendum is request for a partnership with the community to continue to support the outstanding education that our students have been receiving,” says Dr. Bunting. “We need more operating revenue at this point and so a vote for our referendum is a vote for our students.”

Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Locations can be found here.