After failing, Indian River tries again with $22.5M referendum June 5

Indian River’s second attempt at a successful referendum is scheduled for June 5.

The Indian River School District is set to hold a current expense referendum on Thursday, June 5, seeking voter approval for a $22.5 million increase in local funding to offset rising operational costs and preserve educational services.

Its first crack at a referendum failed in late March after 53% of voters rejected a proposal that would result in a nearly $300 annual hike to local taxes for the average homeowner.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at eight locations across the district.

Two new polling places—Long Neck Methodist Church and Selbyville Fire Hall—have been added this year to improve voter accessibility.

Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens said the referendum is crucial to avoid further cuts to academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.

“This is an extremely important referendum for the future of the Indian River School District,” Owens said. “Without additional local revenue, we will face difficult staffing decisions and potential impacts to our academic, athletic and extra-curricular programs. Our operating expenses are increasing at a rate that is simply not sustainable if we are to continue to provide quality educational services to our students.”

The district has been operating with budget deficits since the 2023 fiscal year, ranging from $4.2 million to $7.3 million annually.

Contributing factors include rising costs in utilities, transportation, substitute staffing, mental health services, and mandated payments to charter and choice schools.

Officials say reserve funds built up after the last successful referendum in 2017 have now been spent down.

If approved, the measure would increase school taxes by $0.0559 per $100 of assessed property value.

For the average district taxpayer, that would translate to an estimated $22.40 monthly increase—or roughly $268.88 per year.

In recent years, the district has already implemented staffing reductions and discretionary budget cuts. Officials stress that further funding is needed to maintain competitive salaries and attract high-quality educators.

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

To vote, residents must be U.S. and Delaware citizens, at least 18 years old, and live within the Indian River School District.

Voter registration is not required, but identification or proof of residency is.

Absentee ballots can be requested by mail until noon on May 30, or in person at the Department of Elections Sussex County Office until noon on June 4.

District officials are also offering community presentations to explain the referendum.