Millsboro, Del. — Voters in the Indian River School District will head to the polls on Wednesday, June 5, to decide on a $22.5 million current expense referendum. The funding is intended to help the district manage rising operational costs and avoid cuts to staffing, academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Since Fiscal Year 2023, the district has faced annual budget deficits between $4.2 million and $7.3 million. Officials point to rising expenses for utilities, transportation, substitute teachers, mental health services, and state-mandated payments to charter and choice schools. Deficits are expected to continue through Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond. To bridge the gap, the district has spent down reserve funds and implemented staff reductions and budget cuts. Officials now say new local revenue is essential to maintain core services. If approved, the measure would raise the local property tax rate by $0.0559 per $100 of assessed value – an estimated $22.40 per month, or $268.88 annually for the average district property owner. Polling will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at eight locations, including schools and community centers across the district. District leadership says the outcome of the vote will directly impact the future of student programming and personnel.
