Get informed about Cape’s referendum

Cape Henlopen School District is preparing for another referendum vote for school construction and staffing. The Tuesday, March 20 vote will decide whether taxpayers agree to shift dollars they have already approved in a previous referendum, to now fund construction of a new middle school and additional classrooms at Cape Henlopen High School.

Taxes collected each year continue to increase because of rapid growth, and interest rates are proving more favorable than originally projected.

Because of that, the district can build an additional new middle school and expand the high school by using available funding with no tax increase.

However, taxes will have to increase by about $50 per household per year to pay for staffing, utilities and other ongoing operational costs for the new middle school.

All of this is being driven by growth. Since 2001, Cape district enrollment has increased by more than 1,300 students. Enrollment this year alone is up more than 200 students over last year.

Delaware's Department of Education looks carefully at these trends. It has approved $34 million for the new middle school, and high school expansion, if Cape voters approve the referendum that will guarantee their $21 million - 40 percent - of the total $55 million project, and operating expenses. The Department of Education further confirmed the immediacy of Cape's need by allocating all of its available resources this year to this initiative. No other district in the state received approval for requested funds.

Now is the time for voters to fully understand what they are being asked to approve in the March 20 vote.

Detailed public presentations are scheduled at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Cape Henlopen High School; Monday, March 5, at Milton Elementary School; and Thursday, March 15, at Love Creek Elementary School. Groups can also request presentations by calling the district at 302-644-7906.