UPDATE: Indian River School District Referendum #2 Defeated

June 5, 2025/Mari Lou

 

UPDATE– 6/05/25: The Indian River School District’s current expense referendum was defeated by district residents on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The unofficial vote totals, according to the District are as follows:

 

FOR: 5,700

AGAINST: 6,766

Statement from Indian River School District Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens:

“With the defeat of the referendum, IRSD’s administration and Board of Education face some difficult decisions in the coming months,” Superintendent Dr. Jay Owens said. “The district has been operating at a budget deficit for the past two fiscal years and operating expenses will continue to outpace local revenue streams. The district has already made significant reductions to staff positions and discretionary budgets among numerous cost-saving initiatives for next year. We understand that the referendum process is part of the school funding system in Delaware and we respect the wishes of our public. We will continue to strive to provide our students with the best educational services possible with the resources available.”

  

The referendum would have provided funding for increased operating costs and to offer a competitive salary package for staff.

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The Indian River School District seeks funding in the amount of $22.5-million for increased operating costs and to maintain a competitive salary package. With voter approval, the referendum will result in a tax increase of $0.0559 per $100 of assessed property value, which correlates to an increase of $22.40 per month or $268.88 per year for the average district taxpayer.

The polls will be open on June 5th from 7am to 8pm at multiple polling locations throughout the district – including 2 additional locations since the March referendum, which failed. You must be a US citizen, live in the Indian River School District and be at least 18 years of age to vote.

Additional information from IRSD:

Polling Locations – open 7am to 8pm on Thursday, June 5:

  • East Millsboro Elementary School

  • Georgetown Elementary School

  • Indian River High School

  • Long Neck Methodist Church (new polling place)

  • Lord Baltimore Elementary School

  • Millville Community Center

  • Selbyville Fire Hall (new polling place)

  • Sussex Central High School

“This is an extremely important referendum for the future of the Indian River School District,” IRSD Superintendent Dr. Jay 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.

Voter registration is not required to vote in the referendum, but voters must provide proof of identification or residency at each polling place. Residents may vote at any of the eight polling places. To be eligible to vote, an individual’s residence in the Indian River School District must be his or her primary residence.

 

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