Indian River School District to hold $22.5M referendum vote on June 5

MILLSBORO, Del. — Voters in the Indian River School District will head to the polls on Thursday, June 5, to decide on a $22.5 million current expense referendum aimed at addressing rising operating costs and ensuring competitive compensation for district staff.

The proposed measure would help close persistent budget deficits that have plagued the district since Fiscal Year 2023. Officials say that without new local revenue, the district faces tough decisions that could affect staffing levels and reduce academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.

“This is an extremely important referendum for the future of the Indian River School District,” Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens said in a statement. “We are now at a point where we need the public’s assistance to sustain the high level of services our students deserve.”

Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at eight polling locations, including East Millsboro Elementary School, Georgetown Elementary, Indian River High School, Long Neck Methodist Church, Lord Baltimore Elementary, Millville Community Center, Selbyville Fire Hall, and Sussex Central High School.

District officials cite steep increases in utility bills, student transportation, substitute teacher costs, mental health services, and required payments to charter and choice schools as key drivers of the financial strain. Annual deficits have ranged from $4.2 million to $7.3 million since 2023, with further shortfalls projected in Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond.

Since the district’s last successful referendum in 2017, officials have spent down reserve balances and implemented cost-saving measures, including staff reductions and discretionary budget cuts.

The tax increase associated with the referendum is estimated at $0.0559 per $100 of assessed property value, which equates to about $22.40 per month or $268.88 annually for the average district taxpayer.

“We understand the uncertainty our residents face in regards to property reassessment and rising energy bills,” Owens said. “We hope our public will understand the need for this initiative and lend its support to our students on June 5.”

Absentee ballots can be requested by mail until noon on Friday, May 30. In-person absentee voting is available at the Sussex County Department of Elections through noon on Wednesday, June 4.

For more information, visit irsd.net/referendum