SELBYVILLE, Del.- Voters in the Indian River School District are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide on a referendum that would raise taxes to pay for several building projects.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. at East Millsboro Elementary School, Georgetown Elementary School, Indian River High School, Long Neck Elementary School, Lord Baltimore Elementary School and Selbyville Middle School. Polls will close at 8 p.m.

According to the district's website, "The referendum will seek funding for the construction of a new Sussex Central High School, an eight-classroom addition at Indian River High School and a four-classroom addition at Selbyville Middle School."

They say the idea behind the referendum is to help with severe overcrowding throughout the district.

Indian River School District says the referendum will result in a maximum possible tax increase of $66.09 for the average district property owner, but will be phased in over a four-year period.

According to officials, the maximum property tax increase needed to fund the district’s 40-percent local share ($63,405,400) of the construction projects is 35 cents per $100 of assessed value. This equates to a tax increase of $68.96 for the average district property owner. This increase will be phased in over a four-year period and not reach the maximum until Fiscal Year 2023. After FY23, the debt service rate will decrease every year until the construction bonds are retired. The remaining 60 percent ($95,108,565) of the project costs will be funded by the State of Delaware.

Some people in the area could not be happier about the referendum, which would help with overcrowding.

Martha Stone, who lives nearby said, “I’m 100 percent for the referendum. I have two grandsons that attend school in the Indian River School District and I think they deserve the best education that can be provided for them.”

Right now, the district says it has seen a large increase in total enrollment over the past eight years.

According to a release, "IRSD’s current enrollment is 10,697 students in Grades PreK-12. This represents an increase of 1,826 students since 2011. This increase has put a strain on classroom space at several school buildings. In addition, enrollment growth is projected to continue during the next six years and reach 12,473 students by 2024."

Officials say schools like Sussex Central are already over capacity by 200 students, and nearly 20 teachers are without classrooms. Beginning next year, many schools will have to use portable classrooms to accommodate growth.

But others are still opposed, like Terry Johnson. “I’m not for it. I think other options should be looked at. There are a few people that make a nice living, but most of us are middle class.”

The referendum is around $18 cheaper than the one that failed earlier this year on Feb. 5. Officials say they chose not to include the former Current Expense plan, which would have gone toward funding new teachers, transportation and other costs associated with the new changes.

The district says they are hopeful for Tuesday's outcome. For more information, you can go here: https://www.irsd.net/News/district_to_host_major_capital_improvement_referen