The preliminary results are in for the Indian River School District’s referendum

SELBYVILLE, Del.- The preliminary results are in, Indian River School District’s proposed referendum has been voted against by residents on both questions.

Major Capital Improvements: 3,202 votes for  and  3,866 votes against.

Current Expense: 3,124 votes for  and  3,836 votes against

The referendum sought funding for construction of a new Sussex Central High School, an eight classroom addition to the Indian River High School as well as a four classroom addition to Selbyville Middle School.

Residents were asked to also approve funding for staff, curriculum, supplies, transportation, and utility expenses for a high school and elementary school.

SELBYVILLE, Del. – People are coming out in big numbers to cast their ballot for Indian River School District’s proposed referendum. It’s a referendum that would increase their property taxes, money that would go directly back into the schools.

“I felt like it was important for me to come out to vote today,” says Teresa Lawson, a Frankford resident.

That’s the attitude of many casting their ballot for the referendum Tuesday.

“Well we are here because it is such an important referendum and education has always been important to us,” explains another voter James Searl.

District residents are deciding on whether or not the district will get the funding they need to build a new high school and additional classrooms at Indian River High School and Selbyville Middle School. As well as other expenses that come with the student growth the district is experiencing right now.

“We’re going to be growing at least we think another 1,000 to 1,500 students over the next six years,” explains Indian River Supt. Mark Steele.

It’s funding that the school district will receive if the public decides to pay a little extra in their property taxes. It’s a move not many are in favor of, but one that voters we spoke to say seems to be necessary.

“It is going to be hard for us as a retired couple but we are going to dig in deep and we are going to sacrifice,” Lawson continues, “I’m not ashamed to say I’ve voted yes. No I do not want my taxes to go up but I voted yes because I want the children of Indian River district to get the education they need.”

If the referendum doesn’t get the necessary votes to pass, Supt. Steele says they’ll have to find alternatives.

“We would have to take a look at portables in the schools that we are allowed to bring portables. In some of our schools there isn’t room on the existing property to put portables.”

IRSD tells us they will start counting ballots around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night and will have the preliminary results by 8:30 p.m.