The Indian River School District (IRSD) will hold a current expense referendum on Thursday, March 20, 2025, to seek voter approval for increased funding to cover rising operating costs and support staff recruitment and retention.
Why Is the Referendum Needed?
According to Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens, the district has been operating at a budget deficit for the past two years due to rising costs.
- Operating expenses have increased by 7.4% per year over the past three fiscal years, while revenue has only grown by 3.55% per year.
- Without additional funding, the district may face workforce reductions that could negatively impact student services.
The district has not implemented a tax increase for operating expenses since 2017 and currently has the lowest school tax rate in Sussex County. Officials state that federal ESSER funds used during the COVID-19 pandemic have now been exhausted, making additional local funding essential.
How the Funds Will Be Used
If approved, referendum funds will help:
- Cover increasing operating costs to maintain the quality of education
- Retain and recruit teachers and staff in a highly competitive job market
- Avoid potential staff reductions that could affect student services
Tax Impact on Residents
If the referendum passes, property owners will see a tax increase:
- $1.2105 per $100 of assessed property value
- This equates to an estimated increase of:
- $24.10 per month
- $289.23 per year for the average taxpayer
However, with Sussex County’s property reassessment, the expected increase will be adjusted to $0.057 per $100 of assessed value.
Voting Information
Date & Time:
- March 20, 2025 (Thursday)
- Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Inclement Weather Date: March 27, 2025
Polling Locations:
District residents may vote at any of the following locations:
- 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
- Millville Community Center (32517 Dukes Drive, Millville)
Voter Eligibility:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the Indian River School District
- No voter registration is required, but proof of identification or residency is required at polling places
Absentee Voting Information
Residents who cannot vote in person have two options:
- Request an absentee ballot by mail
- Deadline: Noon on March 14, 2025
- Request forms are available at all district schools
- Vote absentee in person
- Location: Department of Elections Sussex County Office
- Deadline: Noon on March 19, 2025
For absentee ballot requests, residents can contact the Department of Elections Sussex County Office at (302) 856-5367 or email [email protected].