Indian River School District to hold current expense referendum

SELBYVILLE, Del. – The Indian River School District will be holding a current expense referendum in March.

“If we can’t pass the referendum, we have to continue to look at cost saving measures within the district which are programmatic, they could be operational cuts, they could also be staffing cuts, unfortunately,” said Dr. Jay Owens, Indian River School District Superintendent.

Dr. Owens said the Indian River School District has the lowest school tax rate in Sussex County.

He also said it’s been eight years since the district implemented a tax increase, and now it’s long overdue.

“Operating costs have increased on average 7.5% since that 2017 referendum and our generated discretionary revenues have only kept pace at 3.5% on average, so you can see there is a big discrepancy from where we were to where we are now and really the need for a referendum at this time,” said Owens.

If approved, the referendum will result in a tax increase of $24.10 per month or $289.23 per year for the average district tax payers.

“Anytime that we have to go out and ask the taxpayers to increase their own taxes to maintain our operations in our school, we know that’s a big deal and we don’t take that lightly,” said Dr. Owens. “However, we’re to the point where we have to ask for that now and we appreciate the support of our community.”

In addition, the current expense referendum would cover operating costs, as well as the retention and recruitment of teachers, something Dr. Owens says is vital to the health of the school district.

A number people we with spoke with Monday were unaware of the referendum, but Alex Luna offered his thoughts.

“I think they shouldn’t raise taxes, I feel like they should just keep it the same,” said Luna.

Voting on the referendum will take place March 20 from 7 am to 8 pm. District residents who are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote at any of these local polling places: East Millsboro Elementary School, Georgetown Elementary School, Indian River High School, Long Neck Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School, Selbyville Middle School, Sussex Central High School and Millville Community Center. If there is inclement weather, the referendum will be held on March 27.

For more information on the referendum, you can visit the district’s special referendum web site.