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Residents defeat Indian River school referendum by 65 votes

Superintendent: 22 portable classrooms, expense referendum needed
May 8, 2019

Residents of the Indian River School District defeated a major capital improvement referendum by 65 votes.

Unofficial totals for the May 7 vote were 4,643-4,578 against funding the construction of a new Sussex Central High. Also included in the referendum were an eight-classroom addition at Indian River High and a four-classroom addition at Selbyville Middle.

Superintendent Mark Steele said the defeat is a serious blow to the Indian River School District.

“We are faced with an anticipated enrollment growth of more than 1,700 students in the next six years, and there is no guarantee the state of Delaware will approve funding for these construction projects in the future,” Steele said.

As a result, Steele said, the district may not be able to host another major capital improvement referendum for several years.

“The district has no choice but to utilize portable classrooms to alleviate overcrowding in our schools,” Steele said. “We project the need for about 22 portables across the district in the next five years. The cost of portable classrooms is astronomical, and these units must be funded through our operating budget.”

Steele said paying for the portable units will require the district to seek yet another referendum.

“However, the district respects the democratic process and will examine all possible options to keep our students safe and provide them with the best learning environment possible,” Steele said.

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