Indian River's referendum failed in a very close vote Thursday.

Indian River referendum fails with 53% voting against tax hike to support district growth

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Less than a week after the Smyrna School District’s residents voted down a $5.4 million operational referendum that would increase taxes $277 annually to the average homeowner, the Indian River School District had the same fate. READ: Smyrna operational referendum fails for 2nd straight year, would have spiked taxes $277 annually Indian River, which had its first operational referendum in …

Indian River, the final district to have a referendum this academic year, is having theirs Thursday, March 20.

Indian River holds first operational referendum in 8 years March 20, $289 avg. tax increase

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The Indian River School District will have a referendum Thursday, March 20, five days after Smyrna has theirs. Those are the only two districts having a referendum this year, compared to last year when six of the 19 school districts had one, which was the highest in 14 years. READ: Why Delaware is having the most school referendums in 14 …

Smyrna will hold its third referendum in a year in 11 days.

Smyrna to hold operational referendum March 15, $277 avg. tax increase

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The Smyrna School District is having another referendum this year, following a failed one and successful one in 2024. A referendum is a request of taxpayers to support school districts in operations and capital projects through a ballot initiative. It means increased taxes as well. Smyrna’s referendum this year is operational, and is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th. RELATED: Smyrna …

Smyrna's second attempt at referendum in 2024 is successful.

22 votes: Smyrna School District squeezes out successful referendum

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. It came down to 22 votes, but the Smyrna School District had a successful referendum Thursday. The district’s first try at raising taxes through referendum was unsuccessful in early March. RELATED: Smyrna School District referendum fails Smyrna School District sought $4,162,286 from local revenue to build a new 600-student intermediate school …

Appoquinimink's second and last chance to pass this referendum is April 23. Photo of Appoquinimink High School.

Appo VP: ‘Ugly cuts,’ 45 kids in class if referendum fails 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

  NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect correct taxes on assessed homes. The vice president of Appoquinimink School District’s Board of Education warned the community that disaster will ensue if the district’s second attempt at a referendum fails this month.  “We have to cut 91 positions. That’s about 5% of our staff,” said Vice President Richard Forsten, who …

Districts that have had successful referendums are now planning designs, construction bids, and how projects will be phased over the next few years.

Here’s what happens now in districts whose referendums passed

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Now that Colonial, Red Clay and Brandywine have had successful referendums, residents of those school districts may be wondering when they’ll have to pony up finances and when they’ll see new facilities. Delaware school districts that have had a successful referendum typically phase their spending over three years or more.  The concept of the referendum isn’t widespread nationally.  Delaware is …

Smyrna and Appoquinimink are the two school district's with unsuccessful referendums this academic year.

Smyrna School District referendum fails

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Smyrna School District’s capital and operating referendum to raise local revenue for it school’s has failed. It’s request to raise local funds was rejected at a vote of 820 “yes” and 1,129 “no” (57.9%). The other ballot option – which would authorize the district to issue bonds for capital projects like building a new intermediate school – also failed, with …