Gray Hughes

rghughes@dmg.gannett.com

Taxpayers in the Indian River School District voted Tuesday, Nov. 22, to reject a proposed operating referendum by only 30 votes.

With more than 6,000 votes cast, 3,351 people were against the referendum, which would have raised $7.25 million, while 3,321 were for it.

Since the referendum did not pass, the school district has the option to go to referendum for a second time.

"While disappointed, we respect the wishes of our public and the workings of the democratic process," Indian River School District Superintendent Susan Bunting said. "In the coming weeks, we will go back to the drawing board to reevaluate our needs and formulate strategies to accommodate our rapid growth in student enrollment. The Board of Education will consider many options, including the possibility of another referendum in 2017. We thank the public for its past support of our schools and assure residents that we remain committed to providing their children with the best education possible."

If another referendum is to come up for a vote, Bunting said it would not happen until January of 2017.

The district must give the Board of Elections 30 days notice if it is to go to referendum once again.

School district officials fear the district will now face cuts in school safety, reduction of staff, larger class sizes, more budget cuts and a lack of materials and supplies.

Indian River School District officials say 10 cents of the increase would have gone to school safety, 33 cents would have gone to student enrollment growth, 3 cents would have gone toward technology, 2 cents would have gone to textbooks and 1 cent would have been used for student organizations.

Bunting said issues need to be addressed across the board to ensure the referendum passes if it is held again. Although an audit was released late last week detailing financial issues over the past five years, Bunting said she won't blame the audit for the failure for the referendum to pass.

READ MORE: After audit, Indian River promises better financial practices

She points to the Long Neck area, where the referendum failed with a vote of 352 for and 531 against.

"We need to do more work there if another referendum is to be held."

Bunting said no changes in district operations will be made until the Indian River Board of Education meeting on Nov. 28.

If a second referendum is held and fails as well, Bunting said the district might have to cut 150 jobs, or 10 percent of its total workforce.

Voters from all over the district turned out to cast their ballot either for or against the referendum.

Some of the people who voted “no” did not trust the school board with their finances, such as Anthony Chiffolo of Bethany, who cast his vote at Lord Baltimore Elementary School.

“I voted against it,” he said. “I don’t feel like we should be raising taxes when the administration of the school district is in such disarray.”

Linda Engh, of Frankford, who voted at Indian River High School, also felt this way.

“Somebody in here doesn’t know how to spend their money, and it shouldn’t be up to the taxpayers to cover it,” she said.

Despite the opposition, there were many who voted in favor of the referendum, such as Henry Bennett, also of Frankford, who is concerned about the future.

“I voted for the referendum because I feel like it’s an investment in my future, and I want the infrastructure to be viable for my children and grandchildren,” he said after casting his ballot at Lord Baltimore Elementary School. “We live in an expanding population base, and additional revenue is necessary to provide for children that are coming into the community and ones that are here already.”

Chuck Hall, of Millsboro, who voted at East Millsboro Elementary School, also voted yes to ensure his daughter’s future is protected.

“I’ve seen the growth we have had in the district and we need it,” he said. “We need it for our kids.”

“The schools need money,” Jack Dillon, of Fenwick, said after casting his ballot at Indian River High School.

Berta Smith, of Millsboro, also wanted to ensure schools had enough money.

“I’m voting yes,” she said before voting at East Millsboro Middle School. “I am a retired teacher. I have seen the size of the classes and I know how much teachers have had to buy this year out of their own pockets and they also need the building.”

BACKGROUND: Fate of Indian River school district referendum is up to voters



Others were concerned about the tax increase the referendum was bringing.

“I voted no,” said Robert Rickrode of Millsboro after casting his ballot at Long Neck Elementary School. “I pay enough taxes and I don’t have any kids in school anymore.”

Doris Radcliff, of Long Neck, also was dismayed about the tax increase.

“I voted no,” she said after casting her ballot at Long Neck Elementary School. “I’m retired and my taxes are high enough.”

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