FAQ

Frequently-Asked Questions

When is the referendum?

March 20, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What are district residents being asked to approve?

The district is seeking a property tax increase to fund: 

•    Increased operating costs
•    Recruitment and retention of staff

IRSD has not passed a current expense referendum since 2017.

Wasn’t there a referendum in February 2020?

The district passed a major capital improvement referendum in February 2020 to fund the construction of the new Sussex Central High School, which is scheduled to open in September 2025. No additional local funding over and above what was approved in the referendum was used to complete the project. The March 20, 2025 measure is the first current expense referendum to raise funds for operating costs since 2017.

Why is the referendum needed?

In the past three fiscal years, district operating expenses have increased an average of 7.4% (largely due to inflation and unit growth), while revenue has increased by only 3.55%. Additional revenue is needed for utilities, energy, transportation and substitute costs. District must also offer a competitive salary package that will attract talented educational professionals and maintain quality programs and services provided to students. IRSD filled nearly 100 percent of its instructional positions in 2024-2025 despite a national teacher shortage. This was the result of a positive and supportive working environment and a competitive salary package. Additionally, the district has not passed a current expense referendum since 2017 and cannot cut expenses enough to offset the need for a referendum.

How will property reassessment in Sussex County affect the referendum?

It won’t. Property reassessment must be “revenue neutral” for school districts, meaning tax rates must be adjusted downward so that school districts collect the same amount of revenue as they did prior to reassessment. Residents will not be taxed at the current rates for their reassessed property values. For more information, click HERE. 

Reassessment helps distribute the tax burden more equally. Higher-value homes that were previously under-assessed may see a tax increase while lower-value homes that were previously over-assessed may get tax relief.

State law allows school districts to collect up to 10% in additional local revenue following reassessment. However, this measure would require approval by the Board of Education.

What is the tax increase and how much revenue will it generate?

The district is proposing a tax increase of $1.2105 per $100 of assessed property value. This will generate an additional $22,515,776 in operating revenue.

How much will the tax increase be for district taxpayers?

For the average district taxpayer, the tax increase will be $289.23 per year. This translates to $24.10 per month, $5.56 per week and 79 cents per day. (Figures based on average district property assessment of $23,893.)

What will happen if the referendum does not pass?

The district may have to eliminate a significant portion of its workforce, potentially impacting student services. IRSD will not have the resources to attract talented instructional professionals and retain those currently on staff. In midst of national teacher shortage, IRSD may not be able to compete with surrounding school districts for the same applicants. Deficit spending will also continue as operating expenses outpace district revenue streams.

Where and when can I vote?

Voting on March 20 is from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. District residents who are U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote at any of the following 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 (32517 Dukes Drive, Millville). In the event of inclement weather, the referendum will be held on March 27.

Who is eligible to vote?

Indian River School District residents who are U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote in the referendum. Voter registration is not required, but residents must provide proof of identification or residency at each polling place. Residents do not have to own their home to be eligible to vote and residents may vote at any of the eight polling places. Absentee ballots may be requested via U.S. Mail until noon on Friday, March 14. In-person absentee voting is available at the Department of Elections Sussex County Office until noon on Wednesday, March 19. Request for Absentee Ballot forms are available at all district schools. For more information, contact the Department of Elections Sussex County Office at (302) 856-5367 or via email to: absenteesc@delaware.gov